Mali Suspends Artisanal Mining Permits for Foreigners Following Deadly Accidents

Mali has halted the issuance of new artisanal mining permits to foreign nationals following a series of fatal mining accidents that claimed dozens of lives in recent weeks.

On February 15, the collapse of an artisanal gold mine in the gold-rich Kayes region resulted in 43 deaths, most of them women. Earlier, on January 29, a flooded mining tunnel in southwest Mali killed 13 artisanal miners, including women and three children.

In response, Mali’s Council of Ministers announced on Wednesday that it is suspending new artisanal mining permits for foreigners, citing safety concerns. Additionally, administrative and security officials linked to the two accidents have been dismissed, according to an official statement.

Mali is among Africa’s top gold producers, hosting industrial mining operations run by international companies such as Barrick Gold, B2Gold Corp, Resolute Mining, and Hummingbird Resources Plc.

Since seizing power in 2020, Mali’s military-led government has pledged to reform the mining sector to ensure the country benefits more from soaring global gold prices. However, this has led to disputes with foreign mining firms, including an ongoing conflict with Barrick Gold.

In 2024, Mali’s industrial gold production plunged by 23% year-over-year, reflecting ongoing challenges in the sector.