Mali Suspends Foreign Artisanal Gold Mining Permits Following Deadly Incident

Mali has suspended artisanal gold mining permits for foreigners after a deadly mine collapse killed 49 people. This decision is part of stricter regulations to improve safety and prevent environmental disasters. The government is increasing its oversight of the mining sector, which involves amendments to the mining code and disputes with foreign companies.

Mali has halted the issuance of artisanal gold mining permits to foreign nationals following several tragic incidents. Interim President Assimi Goita has directed the government to enhance safety measures to prevent both human and environmental disasters, as stated by Minister of Security and Civil Protection, General Daoud Aly Mohamedinne.

These measures include a ban on local authorities from granting mining permits to foreign entities, confiscation of equipment used in illegal small-scale mining, and dismissal of local officials in areas where fatal accidents occurred. Recently, at least 49 individuals, predominantly women, perished when an artisanal gold mine collapsed in western Mali.

The military leadership in Mali is reinforcing its oversight of the mining sector through various initiatives, including a revised mining code that increases state involvement in mining operations. As Africa’s second-largest gold producer, Mali is also engaged in a dispute with Canadian company Barrick Gold Corp. regarding revenue from the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex, the country’s most significant gold mine.

In response to fatal incidents at artisanal mines, Mali has suspended the issuance of mining permits to foreigners to enhance safety. The government’s new measures aim to prevent future tragedies while also tightening control over the mining sector, amid ongoing disputes with foreign companies.

Original Source: www.mining.com