• Mali's government has seized three tons of gold from Barrick Gold amid a legal dispute over revenue shares.
• The gold, valued at approximately $245 million, is being transported to the state-owned Banque Malienne de Solidarité.
• This ongoing situation follows previous arrests of Barrick executives and a pending arbitration request by the company.
• Barrick warns that continued production disruptions could significantly impact its earnings in 2025.
• This seizure marks Mali's ongoing efforts to renegotiate mining contracts for a larger share of the profits from foreign companies.

Mali's military government has commenced the **seizure of gold stocks** belonging to Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold, marking a significant escalation in an ongoing legal dispute regarding unpaid revenue shares. As detailed in reports by [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/mali-gold-barrick-d62e34fd1b4ba369ed16d52bca0f19a3) and [Reuters](http://reuters.com/markets/commodities/mali-started-flying-gold-stocks-out-barrick-site-saturday-sources-say-2025-01-13/), the authorities proceeded to confiscate approximately **three tons** of gold, valued at an estimated **$245 million**. This gold is being transferred to the **Banque Malienne de Solidarité (BMS)** in the capital, Bamako, under strict military supervision. The seizure follows a legal order issued by a Malian investigating judge, which was preceded by a government warning to Barrick regarding the consequences of unpaid taxes. Reports indicate that this operation involved transporting the gold by **helicopter**, a measure taken to swiftly shift the assets. Barrick Gold has been in a **dispute with Mali's government** since late 2023, concerning new mining regulations that redefine revenue-sharing agreements. In December, the Malian government issued an arrest warrant for Barrick CEO **Mark Bristow**, emphasizing the state's aggressive stance amid the backdrop of declining diplomatic relations. The ongoing tensions have resulted in the detention of several Barrick executives, amplifying concerns about the future of the company’s operations in Mali. According to industry analysts, if production is halted at the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex, Barrick's earnings could drop by **11%** in the coming year, as detailed by investment analysts familiar with the situation. Barrick has expressed intentions to pursue arbitration via the **International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)**, seeking a legal resolution to the mounting tensions. Mali’s military government, which came into power in 2020, has been under increasing pressure to amplify its share of mining revenues, particularly as **gold prices** reach record highs. This situation mirrors similar moves by military-led administrations in neighboring countries, underscoring a region-wide trend toward re-negotiation of foreign mining contracts. The escalation of this complex scenario highlights Mali's efforts to establish greater control over its natural resources amidst ongoing economic and social challenges. For further insight into this developing story, refer to the original articles from [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/mali-gold-barrick-d62e34fd1b4ba369ed16d52bca0f19a3) and [Reuters](http://reuters.com/markets/commodities/mali-started-flying-gold-stocks-out-barrick-site-saturday-sources-say-2025-01-13/).