Mali will partially lift its suspension on the issuance of mining permits following significant efforts to clean up the mining register, according to the country’s mines ministry.
The partial suspension of the decision is expected to be implemented from 15 March, reported Reuters.
The West African nation, a leading gold producer, initially halted the allocation of mining titles in November 2022 to refine its procedures.
In 2023, Mali enacted a new mining code, increasing taxes and aiming to allocate substantial stakes in assets to the state.
With the partial lifting of the suspension, Mali’s mining administration will now process applications for renewing exploration and exploitation permits, transitioning from the exploration phase to the exploitation phase, and transferring exploitation permits.
However, new mining permits and search permit transfers remain on hold, the report said.
Mining companies operating in Mali have welcomed the government’s decision.
Roscan Gold president and CEO Nana Sangmuah said: “This announcement provides much-needed clarity and stability for the mining industry in Mali, and we appreciate the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector’s governance.
“I have spent significant time in Mali in the last several months meeting with senior government officials and this step forward represents a significant de-risking of our Kandiole Project. This reinforces our confidence in the project’s potential and the positive upward trajectory of Mali’s mining sector and the opportunities ahead for Roscan.”
The Malian Government also recently announced the suspension of new artisanal mining permits for foreign nationals in response to a series of fatal accidents.
This decision followed a mine collapse on 15 February, which resulted in 43 fatalities, and a flooded tunnel on 29 January, which claimed 13 lives.
Consequently, several administrative and security officials were approved for dismissal by a Council of Ministers meeting in relation to these accidents.
