Harmony Gold Faces Setback As Mali Cancels Permits Following Widespread Rule Non-Compliance

The holders failed to comply with new legal requirements, the mines ministry said in a statement.

The decree does not give reasons for the revocations but states that all rights conferred by the permits are "released", and the areas covered by them are now open for reallocation.

“Permit holders were asked to submit required documents under new mining rules, but after verification, authorities found widespread non-compliance,” the statement said.

“As a result, the government has cancelled the permits in line with mining legislation.”

The ministry did not clarify whether companies can appeal or reapply.

Mining reform in Africa

Guinea and several other African countries have recently reformed their mining sectors, cancelling dormant or non-compliant permits.

Some have also introduced tougher regulations to boost earnings from natural resources, part of a broader push to tighten oversight and reclaim control over strategic assets.

Mali's decree, signed by Mines Minister Amadou Keita on 13 October and reviewed by Reuters on 29 October, cancels permits issued between 2015 and 2022 for the exploration of gold, iron ore, bauxite, uranium, rare earths, and other minerals.

The decree lists the affected permits by number and location but does not specify the total area covered or the estimated value of the exploration activities.

Cora Gold told Reuters it had relinquished the affected permits over two years ago and had not received a formal notice.

It added that the delayed cancellation had no impact on its operations and did not warrant a response.

Harmony Gold, IAMGOLD, Birimian Gold, and Resolute did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mali is one of Africa's top gold producers, with mining a major source of revenue and exports, though recent regulatory crackdowns and insecurity have disrupted foreign investment.

Industrial gold output is projected to fall short of its 2025 target due to disruptions at Barrick's Loulo-Gounkoto mine, the country’s largest gold asset.

The military-led government has recently moved to deepen ties with Russia through energy and mining agreements, including a deal to supply 160,000 to 200,000 metric tonnes of petroleum and agricultural products amid an Islamist-militant-imposed fuel blockade that has crippled transport and forced nationwide school closures.

The agreement follows earlier Russian-backed initiatives in Mali's mining sector, such as joint ventures in gold, uranium, and lithium, and the construction of a state-controlled gold refinery in Bamako.