Mali partially lifts suspension of mining permits from 15 March

Mali's Ministry of Mines announced on Friday that the suspension on issuing mining permits, in place since November 2022, would be partially lifted from 15 March. This measure, introduced by the military-led government to "improve the procedure" for awarding permits, concerned the entire territory of this major West African gold producer.

According to the press release, this decision follows "major work to clean up the mining cadastre". From mid-March, the mining administration will accept applications for the renewal of exploration and production licences, transitions from exploration to production, and transfers of production licences. However, the granting of new licences and the transfer of exploration licences remain suspended.

This development follows the adoption of a new mining code in 2023, which increases the state's stake in mining projects and raises taxes. Mali, one of Africa's leading gold producers, is seeking to maximise the economic benefits of its resources. The partial lifting of taxes could revive certain activities in a key sector, while maintaining strict control over new concessions.