Mali: how new policies are reshaping the mining sector

As Mali goes through a period of growing tension in its mining sector, illustrated by the recent seizure of Canadian company Barrick Gold's gold stocks by the military government, the issues of economic sovereignty and resource governance are taking on unprecedented proportions. In a country where gold is the driving force behind the economy, the reforms underway and their implications are giving rise to intense debate. Mamadou Camara, a mining policy researcher, explains the current dynamics, the progress made and the continuing challenges that will shape the future of this strategic sector.

In 2023, the mining sector injected 644 billion CFA francs (around US$1 billion) into the Malian state budget, representing 21.5% of public finances, a slight increase on 2022. With production of 70 tonnes of gold, industrial mining generated substantial revenues, while exports, at 500 billion CFA francs ($784 million), covered three-quarters of the country's export earnings. Over and above the figures, the sector created 61,023 jobs, including 10,000 directly, consolidating its role as an economic engine.

In a context marked by a security and political crisis since 2013 - coups d'état and territorial occupations by rebel groups - these revenues finance vital infrastructure: schools, health centres, roads and bridges. "The mining sector is now seen as a lever for national sovereignty, a priority for the authorities", Mamadou Camara points out. In 2023, this ambition was reflected in the granting of 12 new exploration licences, giving priority to Malian companies while remaining open to certain foreign investors.

Adopted in 2023, the new Mining Code reflects Mali's desire to strengthen its grip on its resources. Among its key measures, the government now has an initial 10% stake in any mining project, which can be increased to a further 20% in the first few years of production, plus 5% reserved for the Malian private sector. This total stake, which can reach 35% compared with 20% previously, could generate an additional 500 billion CFA francs (784 million dollars) for the public purse.

The emphasis on "local content" is another major step forward. By prioritising employment and Malian companies, the code requires operators to pay 0.75% of their quarterly revenues into a local development fund. In addition, the revision of tax exemptions, particularly on fuel, and the restructuring of licences - now renewable for 12 years for major mines and limited to 9 years for exploration - are aimed at optimising economic spin-offs while encouraging more intensive exploitation.

Despite these advances, the Malian mining sector still faces major obstacles. Artisanal mining, which is often informal, largely escapes regulatory frameworks, making production estimates vague. "This opacity complicates data collection and regulation", notes Mamadou Camara. Added to this are the worrying environmental impacts: deforestation, soil and water pollution by chemicals, and degradation of biodiversity. The overpopulation around mining sites also exacerbates air pollution.

In social terms, the benefits of mining do not always accrue to local communities. To remedy this, a community development policy is being drawn up, aimed at mitigating the negative effects while creating economic opportunities. "We need to strengthen people's resilience, improve access to finance and make mining areas safe," insists the researcher.

The new mining code marks a step towards more responsible management, by guaranteeing a fair distribution of profits between the State, communities and operators. However, challenges remain, particularly in the north of the country, where insecurity is hampering exploration and leaving vast deposits untapped. For Mamadou Camara, the key lies in a global approach: "Improving governance involves securing territories, building the capacity of local players and effectively combating environmental degradation.

As Mali seeks to reconcile economic sovereignty with sustainability, the mining sector remains at a decisive turning point. The balance between national ambitions and ecological imperatives remains fragile, but the reforms underway could lay the foundations for a more inclusive and resilient model.