Mali has suspended the granting of new artisanal mining permits to foreigners following two recent accidents that left dozens dead.
The decision was made by the Council of Ministers in response to the deaths of 43 people, mostly women, in a gold mine collapse in the Kayes region on February 15, and the deaths of 13 artisanal miners, including women and children, in a flooded tunnel in southwest Mali on January 29.
The suspension aims to address concerns over safety and the benefits of the mining sector to the state.
Mali is one of Africa’s top gold producers, with industrial mines operated by international companies.
The government has pledged to scrutinize the mining sector to ensure the state benefits more from gold prices.
The move comes amid disputes with foreign firms, including a unresolved issue with Barrick Gold. Mali’s industrial gold production plummeted 23% in 2024.
The government also approved the dismissal of administrative and security officials connected to the recent accidents.
