The move follows sluggish production and investment at the complex, the sources familiar with the matter said, after Barrick wrested back control from Malian administrators following a stand-off with the state over taxes and ownership.
Barrick does not plan to renew its deal with contractor Gounkoto Mining Services (GMS) in 2026, the first and second sources said, adding it was unclear whether it would for 2027.
GMS, which managed extraction at the Gounkoto open-pit mine and the Yalea North mine, has issued termination letters to more than 600 workers, who are serving notice after mandatory medical exams, the two sources added. Neither mine has restarted production since Barrick regained control in December.
Spokespeople for Barrick and GMS’ parent company DTP did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A Spokesperson for Mali’s Mines Ministry said it had no comment as this is an “internal problem”.
GMS’ departure, and the broader challenges sources say Loulo-Gounkoto faces, are unconnected to the security threats Mali is facing from insurgent groups, whose recent, large-scale attacks took place far from the complex.
–Reuters–
