Mali detains Canadian mining officials over tax dispute
By Kasim Isa Muhammad
Kanempress News
28th November 2024
Authorities in Mali have arrested four senior employees of a Canadian mining company as the military junta continues to detain workers to pressure companies in its mining sector to pay millions in additional taxes.
Barrick Gold confirmed that four employees at its Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex had been charged and awaited trial after their arrests Monday evening.
Barrick Gold employees were also detained in September.
The company continues to negotiate an agreement with military junta in Mali to outline the state’s share of mining profits and the legal framework for this partnership.
Earlier this month, the CEO of Australian company Resolute Mining and two employees were arrested in Bamako, Mali.
They were released after the company paid an $80 million settlement, and pledged an additional $80 million to resolve a tax dispute.
Mali is one of Africa’s leading gold producers, but it has struggled for years with jihadi violence and high levels of poverty and hunger.
