This image shows molten gold being poured into a mold during the refining process at an African gold mine.
Mali’s Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex is gradually restoring production after a prolonged shutdown caused by a dispute between operator Barrick Mining and the Malian government. Barrick reported attributable production of 152,000 ounces in the first half of 2026, with its share rising from 64,000 ounces in the first quarter to 88,000 ounces in the second. With Barrick owning 80% and Mali 20%, total consolidated production was about 190,000 ounces. The complex halted operations in January 2025 amid a dispute with Mali’s government over the country’s revised mining code. Both sides then reached an agreement in November 2025, allowing Barrick to regain operational control of the complex in December. But while production has rebounded, it remains far below 2024 levels, when the complex produced 723,000 ounces.