The Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex’s operational permit for Canadian mining corporation Barrick Gold has been formally extended by the Malian government for an additional ten years. On February 13, 2026, this renewal was formally announced when the nation’s military chief approved a draft decree.
The extension officially ends a period of uncertainty and ushers in a new era for the mine, which is the largest producer of gold in Mali and Barrick’s most lucrative asset.
📜 Important Information on the Renewal and Upcoming Production
A recent feasibility assessment that Barrick carried out served as the basis for the permit renewal. This research describes the mine’s production prospects and validates its long-term feasibility.
License Extension: A ten-year extension has been granted for the Loulo mining permit.
Production Forecast: It is projected that the complex will produce around 420,920 ounces of gross annually.
Mine Life: Six years of open-pit mining and sixteen years of underground mining are supported by the commercially feasible reserves identified by the research.
Economic Significance: In 2024, Barrick made around US$900 million from the Loulo-Gounkoto complex.
🤝 Settlement of a Two-Year Conflict
A long-running disagreement between Barrick and the Malian government was settled in November 2025, and this 10-year extension is the result of that deal. Mali’s new mining policy, which raised taxes and the state’s involvement in mining enterprises, was the root of the conflict, which started in 2023.
Several important aspects were included in the comprehensive settlement:
At the World Bank’s dispute tribunal, Barrick consented to drop its arbitration lawsuit.
Mali freed the employees who had been detained and dismissed all accusations against the firm and its associates.
Barrick regained operational control of the facility.
