Barrick Gold, the world’s second-largest gold producer, has reached an settlement with Mali’s authorities, ending a virtually two-year dispute that had halted mining operations contributing as much as 10% of the nation’s GDP. Initially dealing with a $5.5 billion tax demand, Barrick will now pay $438 million. In trade, Mali will launch 4 jailed workers and return seized gold ore. CEO Mark Bristow stays optimistic, emphasizing dialogue in navigating Africa’s risky regulatory panorama. This decision highlights the broader challenges mining corporations face in politically unstable areas, the place governments more and more search higher management over pure useful resource revenues.
Supply: The Economist
