Barrick Mining’s bid to fast-track its international arbitration case against Mali has been rejected, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters on Friday.
Tensions between Barrick and the Malian government have persisted since 2023 over the enforcement of a new mining code that raises taxes and increases the state’s share of gold mine revenues.
Barrick filed for arbitration with the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in December 2024, seeking urgent intervention on several issues. These included the detention of four employees, the appointment of a provisional administrator to oversee the Loulo-Gounkoto complex after Barrick suspended operations, and the looming expiration of the Loulo mine’s licence in 2026.
However, the request for accelerated proceedings was denied this week, the sources said.
ICSID confirmed on its website that it had issued an order concerning “provisional measures” on Wednesday but did not disclose details.
Barrick declined to comment, while Mali’s Ministry of Mines and ICSID did not respond to requests for comment.
