Canadian mining giant Barrick has officially resolved its long-running dispute with the Malian government over the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex. In a deal announced on November 24, 2025, Barrick agreed to drop its arbitration at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), while Mali committed to: drop all criminal and financial charges against the company and its affiliates, release four detained Barrick employees, and return full operational control of the mines to Barrick.

The agreement also lifts the provisional state administration imposed in mid-2025, ending a period during which the Loulo-Gounkoto complex was effectively under government control and gold exports were suspended.

According to media reports, Barrick will pay roughly US $430 million (≈ 244 billion CFA) as part of the settlement — covering tax, revenue-sharing or compensation demands. Once implemented, the agreement clears the path for mining to resume. Barrick stands to regain output from one of West Africa’s most valuable gold assets, while Mali seeks to stabilise its mining sector and restore investor confidence.