The CEO of Resolute Mining – who was arrested by Malian authorities in November last year – has quit his post. Terry Holohan was finally released after the Anglo-Australian firm agreed to cough up $160 million in outstanding taxes.
Bamako also has a conflict with Canadian company Barrick Gold – demanding more control over (and more profit from) its mining activities in Mali. In January, the country seized three tonnes of gold worth $180 million from the firm and, in December 2024, the government issued an arrest warrant for its CEO.
According to the Financial Times, Mali – along with fellow Alliance of Sahel States members Burkina Faso and Niger – is conducting a “terrifying crackdown on mining companies.”
That’s one way to spin it. But the revolutionary trio is being hailed in the Sahel and across Africa for forging a new path towards greater sovereignty and economic self-determination – putting an end to what many see as the plunder and pillaging of the region by exploitative foreign multinationals.
Burkina Faso has nationalised multiple gold mines in recent years and Niger has nationalised its main uranium mines.
Sources:
https://www.ft.com/content/68d9c6e3-861d-4d03-a00f-4a2d33cb9516
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/3-executives-of-australian-gold-miner-arrested-in-mali/3390015
https://www.mining.com/web/mali-frees-resolute-executives-after-160-million-deal-afp-reports/
https://www.ft.com/content/9a0901f1-070f-43e8-9cd3-6bd6ab4f6c4a
https://www.rml.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/030225-Management-Changes.pdf