Fact Check: "Malian court places Barrick Gold's mine under provisional administration for six months."
What We Know
On June 16, 2025, a judge in Mali ordered that Barrick Gold's Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex be placed under provisional administration for a period of six months. This decision was made amid an ongoing dispute between the Canadian mining company and Mali's military government regarding alleged unpaid taxes and unfair contracts with previous administrations (AP News, Bloomberg). The appointed provisional administrator is Zoumana Makadji, a former Malian health minister, who is expected to take over within 15 days (Reuters).
This ruling follows a series of escalatory actions by the Malian government, including the closure of Barrick's offices in Bamako and the suspension of gold exports from the mine (Africanews). Barrick Gold has been in Mali for over three decades and is one of the largest gold producers in Africa (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that a Malian court has placed Barrick Gold's mine under provisional administration for six months is supported by multiple reputable sources. Each source confirms the court's decision and provides context regarding the ongoing dispute over tax issues and the government's increasing pressure on foreign mining companies.
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include established news organizations like the Associated Press, Bloomberg, and Reuters, which are known for their rigorous journalistic standards. The consistency across these reports strengthens the credibility of the claim. For instance, both the AP News and Bloomberg articles detail the implications of the court's ruling, including the appointment of a provisional administrator and the context of the tax dispute.
However, it is important to note that Barrick Gold has stated its intention to appeal the court's decision, which could potentially alter the situation in the future (Africanews). This aspect indicates ongoing legal complexities and the potential for further developments.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that a Malian court has placed Barrick Gold's mine under provisional administration for six months is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the court's ruling and the circumstances surrounding it. The ongoing nature of the dispute and Barrick's plans to appeal do not negate the fact that the provisional administration has been ordered.
Sources
- Mali takes control of Barrick Gold mine over tax dispute
- Mali court places Canada's Barrick gold mine under provisional administration
- Mali to Take Control of Key Barrick Gold Mine for Six Months
- Barrick Mining's gold complex placed under state control in Mali
- Mali court strips Barrick of gold mine operation for six months
