Barrick deal averts Mali mine strike

Barrick Mining Corp. (B) has concluded an agreement with unions representing workers at the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining operation in western Mali. The deal was reached ahead of planned industrial action that had been scheduled to start on a Monday, removing the immediate risk of a strike at the site.

The agreement followed negotiations involving unions representing employees at the Loulo-Gounkoto operation and at Food & Events Africa, a catering and support-services contractor active at the mine. A representative of Mali’s National Workers’ Union (UNTM), Abdoulaye Coulibaly, confirmed that the talks produced a settlement.

Unions had prepared to launch strikes at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, which would have affected mining activities and associated services. With the new agreement in place, those strikes have been averted, and normal work at the operation is expected to continue without the previously planned stoppage.

The resolution addresses a short-term labour dispute between mine stakeholders and workers’ representatives. While detailed terms of the accord have not been disclosed, the outcome eliminates the immediate prospect of disruption linked to the announced industrial action.

Public reports on the agreement do not specify wage provisions, benefit changes, or other contractual elements that may have been negotiated. There is also no detailed information on any production targets or operational adjustments associated with the settlement.

Despite the lack of disclosed terms, the deal clarifies that the Loulo-Gounkoto operation will not face the imminent strike activity that had been planned. The conclusion of talks between Barrick (B), mine unions, and the contractor’s union representatives marks a near-term stabilization of labour relations at this Mali gold mining site.