Mali’s military leader has tightened presidential control over the country’s key mining sector by creating a new ministerial-level position to oversee mining, strengthening direct oversight of the critical gold industry. The role has been filled by a former Barrick Mining (ABX.TO) executive.
According to Reuters, Legal documents governing the new position show that the minister will have the authority to supervise the implementation of mining policy, monitor compliance with the mining code, and review reports submitted by mining title holders. These responsibilities were previously handled by the mines ministry.
Under a January 19 presidential decree, Hilaire Bebian Diarra, an earth-science specialist, was appointed to the role.
Diarra switched from Barrick to the Malian government last year, having led negotiations for the company during talks over control of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex.
During the dispute over Mali’s largest industrial gold mine, he was named a special adviser to the presidency as Assimi Goita’s government pushed for higher taxes and increased state participation in mining projects.
The move was widely viewed as a strategic blow to the Canadian miner. Diarra was not immediately available for comment.
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Mali is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, and several national mining forums in recent years have called for stronger structures to oversee security, regulatory compliance, and the social impact of mining activities.
A senior government official said the presidency has now taken the lead on mining oversight, with key exploitation permits decided at the presidential level and contract negotiations, including the dispute with Barrick, conducted from the presidential palace.
The finance ministry now handles fiscal matters, while the mining ministry focuses on regulation.
Diarra’s appointment comes as Mali increases its grip on the mining sector, its biggest source of revenue, under a 2023 mining code that the government said in December helped recover 761 billion CFA francs ($1.2 billion) in arrears.
The stricter code unsettled mining companies and contributed to a two-year standoff with Barrick, which pushed industrial gold production down by 23% in 2025, according to provisional data from the mines ministry.
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Image Credit: Vanguard News
