Mali revokes over 90 mining exploration licenses in industry shake-up

Mali has cancelled more than 90 mining exploration permits, including several held by affiliates of international mining companies.

Subsidiaries of Harmony Gold, IAMGOLD, Cora Gold, Birimian Gold, and Resolute Mining are among those affected, according to Reuters.

The decree did not provide reasons for the revocations but stated that all rights tied to the permits are “released,” and the areas they covered are now open for reassignment.

The move aligns with a broader trend across Africa, where governments, including BurkinaFaso and Niger, have tightened mining regulations, scrapped inactive licenses, and sought greater control of natural resources to boost revenue.

Signed by Mines Minister Amadou Keita on Oct. 13 and circulated on Oct. 29, the measure targets permits issued between 2015 and 2022 for the exploration of gold, iron ore, bauxite, uranium, rare earths, and other minerals.

Cora Gold said it relinquished the permits more than two years ago and had not been formally notified, adding that the cancellation has no impact on its current operations.

Mining is a cornerstone of Mali’s economy; the country ranks among Africa’s leading gold producers, but investment has been rattled by rising insecurity and tougher regulatory scrutiny.

Industrial output is already set to fall short of 2025 targets following disruptions at Barrick Gold’s Loulo-Gounkoto mine, the country’s biggest gold asset.

Meanwhile, Mali’s military-led government has strengthened ties with Russia through mining and energy partnerships.

The latest deal includes the supply of 160,000 to 200,000 metric tons of petroleum and agricultural goods amid a fuel blockade imposed by Islamist militants, which has hampered transport and forced nationwide school closures.