Mali’s military leader has created a new ministerial-level role to oversee the mining sector, strengthening the Presidency’s direct oversight of the critical gold industry, and appointed a former Barrick Mining executive to fill it.

Legal documents governing the role show the Minister will have powers to supervise mining policy implementation, monitor compliance with the mining code, and review reports submitted by title holders responsibilities previously handled by the Mines Ministry.

According to a January 19 presidential decree, Hilaire Bebian Diarra, an earth-science specialist who switched from Barrick to the government last year while leading negotiations for the company over control of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, has been appointed to the role.

The Malian national was named special adviser to the presidency during the bitter dispute over Mali’s top industrial gold mine, as Assimi Goita’s government pushed for higher taxes and greater state participation in mining projects.

The move was widely seen as a strategic blow to the Canadian miner.

Diarra was not immediately available for comment.

–Reuters–