Canada’s Barrick Gold announced on Monday a temporary suspension of operations at its Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex in Mali due to new shipping restrictions. An interim attachment order has been placed on the existing gold stock at the site, further hindering exports and disrupting regular operations.
Since December, gold shipments have faced restrictions, and the company has reported that some employees have been imprisoned during this turmoil.
Barrick Gold, recognized as the world’s second-largest gold producer, is currently in conflict with the Malian government over a contract tied to the country’s revised mining regulations. The ownership structure of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex consists of Barrick holding 80%, while the Malian government possesses a 20% stake.
