Mali Revokes Over 90 Mining Permits for Non-Compliance Amid Sector Crackdown

Bamako, Mali — Mali has revoked over 90 mining exploration permits, including licenses held by subsidiaries of Harmony Gold, IAMGOLD, Cora Gold, Birimian Gold, and Resolute Mining, citing widespread non-compliance with updated mining regulations.

According to an official decree signed by Mines Minister Amadou Keita and reviewed by Reuters, the cancellations affect permits issued between 2015 and 2022 for the exploration of gold, iron ore, bauxite, uranium, rare earths, and other strategic minerals.

The decree states that all rights conferred by the affected permits are now “released,” and the exploration areas are open for reallocation.

“Permit holders were asked to submit required documents under new mining rules, but after verification, authorities found widespread non-compliance,” the mines ministry said. “As a result, the government has canceled the permits in line with mining legislation.”

The ministry did not specify whether companies could appeal or reapply under the revised framework.

Wider Trend of Mining Sector Overhauls

Mali’s move mirrors a broader regulatory tightening across Africa, as resource-rich countries seek to reclaim control over mining assets and boost revenues. Guinea, for instance, has similarly revoked dormant or non-compliant mining permits and introduced new governance standards to increase transparency and state participation in resource projects.

Analysts view these measures as part of a continental push to restructure extractive sectors, enhance state oversight, and ensure that foreign investment aligns with national development priorities.

Implications for International Miners

The revocations add to an increasingly uncertain operating environment for foreign mining companies in Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers. Industry observers say the government’s push for greater compliance and local value retention could slow exploration activity but may strengthen governance in the long term.

Cora Gold told Reuters it had already relinquished the affected permits two years ago and had received no formal notice of cancellation. It said the delayed announcement had no operational impact. Other companies including Harmony Gold, IAMGOLD, and Resolute Mining did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Political and Security Context

The mining sector shakeup comes as Mali’s military-led government deepens its strategic alignment with Russia, signing energy and mining agreements that include joint ventures in gold, uranium, and lithium, and plans for a state-controlled gold refinery in Bamako.

The West African nation continues to face security challenges from Islamist insurgents, which have disrupted mining logistics, reduced production, and strained government finances. Industrial gold output is projected to fall below the 2025 target due to operational disruptions at Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto mine, the country’s largest gold asset.

Bottom Line:

Mali’s decision to revoke over 90 exploration permits marks one of the most sweeping regulatory actions in its mining history. While the move reinforces state control and regulatory enforcement, it risks dampening investor confidence at a time when Mali seeks to attract fresh capital and diversify its mining portfolio beyond gold.