Unions representing workers ​at the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex in Mali, operated by Barrick Mining, have issued a series of ‌strike notices to management, raising the risk of labour disruptions from September 28 at one of Mali’s largest gold-producing operations, according to documents seen by Reuters on Friday.

The notices were filed by unions representing mine workers at SOMILO SA and GOUNKOTO SA, ​which operate the mines at the complex.

Separate strike notices were submitted by Barrick’s catering and ​support staff contractor Food & Events Africa (FEA) and workers in Mali’s mining regulator and other ⁠mining administration agencies.

The unions said they would begin strike action towards the end of the month if demands ​related to overtime pay, reimbursement of mission expenses and implementation of labour agreements were not met.

Barrick and Mali’s Mines ​Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mali, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, has been tightening its grip on the mining sector as it seeks a bigger share of revenues.

The military-led government returned operational control of the ​Loulo-Gounkoto complex to Canadian miner Barrick in December after the government placed the complex under temporary state administration ​during a dispute that lasted almost a year. While mining has resumed, the ramp-up has been gradual, with the complex producing ‌about ⁠190 000 ounces of gold in the first half of 2026, well below pre-dispute levels, according to Barrick.

Workers at SOMILO SA, which operates the Loulo mine, and GOUNKOTO SA, operator of the neighbouring Gounkoto mine, have each called four-day strikes from September 28 to October 1, citing management’s failure to address demands submitted in February.

Separately, unions representing ​workers at Food & Events Africa (FEA), ​which provides catering and ⁠support services at Loulo and Gounkoto, have called five-day strikes from September 28 to October 2, accusing management of failing to honour agreements on overtime pay, benefits and ​worker welfare.

Similarly, unions representing workers at Mali’s mining regulator, the National Directorate of ​Geology and Mines, ⁠and other mining administration agencies have called a 72-hour strike from September 29 to October 1 over unpaid salaries, allowances and mining-sector bonuses.

The strike threats come as Mali reopens its mining licensing regime after a more than two-year ⁠freeze tied ​to a clean-up of the mining cadastre. Authorities have renewed 14 ​gold and lithium exploration permits since August 21, covering eight companies including units of First Lithium and Cora Gold, according to decrees.

–Reuters–