Mali's President Centralizes Control of Gold Sector With New Mining Overseer: Presidential Decree
Mali's President Centralizes Control of Gold Sector With New Mining Overseer: Presidential Decree
Assimi Goita created a new, high-level ministerial position aimed at strengthening direct presidential oversight of the gold mining sector, a presidential decree revealed.
Former Barrick Mining executive Hilaire Bebian Diarra will fill this new position, which has the power to oversee the implementation of mining policies, monitor compliance, and review operator reports. These tasks were previously managed by the mining ministry.
Diarra previously advised the presidency during tense negotiations between Barrick Mining and the Malian government over the Loulo-Gounkoto mine.
This change is part of a broader tightening of state control under the 2023 Mining Code, which has already recovered over $1 billion in unpaid arrears.
The presidency now handles mining permits and contract talks, while the mining ministry focuses on regulation.
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