Barrick Mining Reaches Deal to Avert Mali Gold Mine Strike

Barrick Mining reached an agreement with unions representing workers at the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine in western Mali, averting a strike scheduled for late September. The deal covers employees from Gounkoto SA, Somilo SA, and the catering and support contractor Food & Events Africa.

The labor dispute focused on demands for overtime pay, the reimbursement of mission expenses, and the implementation of existing labor agreements. This resolution comes amid increased state oversight of the mining sector following a 2023 mining code introduced by Mali's military-led government to increase state revenues.

The agreement follows a previous two-year dispute regarding profit-sharing and control of the mining complex that the two parties resolved in November 2025.