Barrick Gold reaches labor agreement at Mali gold mine

Barrick Gold has signed a new collective bargaining agreement with unions at its Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine complex in western Mali, effectively averting planned strike action. The agreement, reached on September 21, addresses 15 demands previously submitted by workers.

The labor dispute involved workers at Barrick subsidiaries Somilo SA and Gounkoto SA, as well as support staff from contractor Food & Events Africa. The unions had threatened strikes at the end of September over issues including overtime pay, reimbursement of mission expenses, and the implementation of existing labor agreements.

This resolution follows a period of significant tension between the Canadian mining company and Malian authorities. In late 2023, Mali implemented a new mining code to increase state revenue, and in January, Barrick temporarily suspended operations following the arrest of employees and an arrest warrant issued for former CEO Mark Bristow regarding alleged financial crimes. A separate long-running dispute regarding profit-sharing and control of the complex was resolved in November of last year.