Barrick Opposes Mali Government's Attempt To Take Over the Day-to-Day Operations at Loulo-Gounkoto, Has Continued to Support the Workforce

Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B)(TSX:ABX) A ruling by the President of the Bamako Commercial Tribunal following submissions made on May 22 by Barrick's Loulo and Gounkoto mines opposing the Malian government's request to place the mining complex under provisional administration, is expected on June 2.

On May 8, the government formally submitted its request to the court seeking to impose provisional administration over the site. Barrick believes there is no basis — either in law or in practice — for the day-to-day operations at Loulo-Gounkoto to be handed over to a court appointed interim administrator. The move follows a preliminary hearing on May 15 during which the mines were granted the opportunity to formally respond.

This latest escalation by the Malian government follows the continued unlawful detention of several Barrick employees — now held for over five months — and the ongoing blockage of gold exports from the complex. Despite the government's actions, including the blocking of gold exports and the seizure of stockpiled production, Barrick has maintained support for its employees and contractors. Since operations were reluctantly suspended, the company has continued to pay wages and support the operations on an ongoing monthly basis.

The attempt to interfere with Loulo-Gounkoto's operations is without precedent or lawful justification. It disregards Barrick's rights under both Malian law and binding agreements, and it is inconsistent with the principles of due process and mutual respect that should underpin partnerships between governments and long-term investors.

As recently as last week, Barrick wrote to the Malian Minister of Economy and Finances to reiterate its availability to resume discussions on the terms of a satisfactory agreement allowing for the release of its detained employees and the resumption of activities in the interest of the employees, the country and all stakeholders.

Barrick has operated in Mali for nearly three decades, building some of the country's most successful mining operations and contributing significantly to its economy and social development. It continues to seek a fair and sustainable resolution to the existing dispute and has already initiated international arbitration proceedings in accordance with the dispute resolution mechanism agreed upon in the Mining Conventions. The company remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for its unjustly detained employees and in defending the integrity of its investment against actions that risk undermining the long-term viability of the operations, stakeholder value or the legal framework underpinning its presence in the country.

Enquiries:

Investor and Media Relations
Kathy du Plessis
+44 20 7557 7738
Email: barrick@dpapr.com

Website: www.barrick.com

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "continue", "intended", "committed", "engage", "negotiate", "pursue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: the status of the gold stock removed from site; the outcome of dispute resolution through arbitration; the status of negotiations with the Government of Mali in respect of ongoing disputes regarding the Loulo-Gounkoto Complex and Barrick's commitment to reach a mutually acceptable solution; the potential to increase the Government of Mali's share in the economic benefits of Loulo-Gounkoto; and Loulo-Gounkoto's partnership with the Government of Mali.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Mali and other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations related to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.


Primary Logo

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

ABX:CA
The Conversation (0)

Barrick Gold

Barrick Gold Corp is one of the world's largest gold producers, operating mines in North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. The company segments consist of nine gold mines namely Carlin, Cortez, Turquoise Ridge, Pueblo Viejo, Loulo-Gounkoto, Kibali, Veladero, North Mara, and Bulyanhulu. It generates maximum revenue from the Carlin mine segment. Geographically, it derives a majority of revenue from the United States.

Stacked gold and silver bullion bars on a dark background.

Larisa Sprott: Gold, Silver Early in Cycle, Smart Money Buying Now

Larisa Sprott of Sprott Money and Argo shares her thoughts on the gold and silver markets, saying she sees the "smart money" continuing to gravitate toward these metals.

In her view, price dips present a chance to get in at lower levels.

Keep reading...Show less
Golden bar graph ascending with arrows, symbolizing growth against a sunset backdrop.

Zijin to Take on Precious Metals Streaming as Gold Price Soars

China’s largest gold miner, Zijin Mining Group (OTC Pink:ZIJMF,HKEX:2899,SHA:601899), is moving into precious metals streaming — a model that offers miners upfront cash in exchange for a share of future production.

Through its Hong Kong-based subsidiary, Gold Mountains Asset Management, Zijin is rolling out China’s first streaming fund from a mining company, with ambitions to invest between US$200 million and US$400 million this year alone.

The fund will target projects in resource-rich but capital-hungry regions such as Africa and South America.

Keep reading...Show less
Antilles Gold Limited (ASX:AAU)

Concentrate Offtake Agreements Signed for Nueva Sabana Copper-Gold Mine, Cuba

Antilles Gold Limited (“Antilles Gold” or the “Company”) (ASX: AAU) advises that 50% owned Cuban joint venture mining company, Minera La Victoria SA, and a major global commodities trading house have signed two off-take agreements for the purchase of the gold concentrates and the copper/gold concentrates to be produced by the Nueva Sabana mine (“Nueva Sabana Mine”).

Keep reading...Show less
Win Metals

Exploration Target at Golden Crown to Focus on Resource Growth

WIN Metals Ltd (ASX: WIN) (“WIN” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce an Exploration Target for the high-grade Golden Crown gold deposit, part of the Company’s Butchers Creek.

Keep reading...Show less
Rick Rule, mine site.

Rick Rule: Gold Stock Outlook, "Superb" Silver Opportunity, Key Uranium Shift

Rick Rule, proprietor at Rule Investment Media, shares his latest thoughts on gold.

He also discusses silver, uranium and oil and gas.

Keep reading...Show less

Latest Press Releases

Related News

×