Industrial gold production in Mali declined by 22.9% in 2025, according to provisional data from the country's mines ministry, which was significantly impacted by a prolonged suspension at Barrick Mining's operations.
The West African nation, a major gold producer, has been implementing reforms through a 2023 mining code aimed at increasing state revenues from the sector.
These efforts included an audit that recovered 761billion CFA francs (around $1.2 billion) in arrears from mining companies, as announced by the government in December 2025.
The stricter regulatory environment led to a two-year dispute with Barrick Gold.
The Canadian company's Loulo-Gounkoto complex—Mali's largest gold producer—was placed under provisional state administration before a resolution was reached late in the year.
This standoff negatively impacted sector sentiment and overall output, offsetting production gains from new projects and expanded small-scale mines.
Reuters reports that the ministry data shows industrial production dropped to 42.2 metric tonnes in 2025, down from a revised 54.8 tonnes in 2024.
Production had peaked at 66.48 tonnes in 2023.
Despite reopening in July 2025 under a state-appointed administrator, the Loulo-Gounkoto complex produced only 5.5 tonnes for the year, a sharp decline from 22.5 tonnes in 2024, due to persistent logistical issues.
B2Gold became Mali's largest gold producer in 2025 with output of 17.5 tonnes, overtaking Barrick.
Allied Gold ranked second with 9.58 tonnes, supported by its new Korali-Sud mine alongside the existing Sadiola operation. Barrick ranked third.
Artisanal gold production remained steady at six tonnes.
Combined with industrial output, Mali's total gold production for 2025 was 48.2 tonnes, falling 22.7% short of the government's original 54-ton forecast.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
