Return of 3 Tons of Gold to Barrick Gold Resolves Major Mining Dispute

Bamako, December 8, 2025 - A Malian judge has ordered the return of 3 tons of gold (around US$400 million) seized from Barrick Gold at the Loulo-Gounkoto site in January, following a settlement reached last month. Under the agreement, Barrick accepted US$430 million, and control of the mining complex is expected to be restored this week, ending a two-year dispute over the new mining code.

Four Barrick employees, imprisoned since November 2024, have been released, and international arbitration proceedings have been dropped. Officials say this resolution strengthens investor confidence in Mali’s mining sector and contributes to the goal of raising US$1.2 billion through mining reforms in early 2026, including 500 billion CFA francs already secured by end-2024. Additionally, the settlement increases state revenue via a 35% participation and provisions on gold sales.