The arbitration tribunal involving subsidiaries of global mining, exploration and development company Barrick Mining Corporation and the State of Mali has been constituted, with Barrick further submitting a request for provisional measures to prevent further escalation and to safeguard its rights under binding mining conventions with the state.

The arbitration tribunal’s consideration of the case is even more important in light of a decision by the Bamako Commercial Tribunal to place the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex under temporary provisional administration, at the request of the Malian government. While Barrick’s subsidiaries remain the legal owners of the mine, operational control has been transferred to an external administrator.

This ruling follows actions by the Malian government to block gold exports and seize gold stocks belonging to Barrick’s subsidiaries, which led to the temporary suspension of operations.

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Barrick comments in a statement said: “While the arbitration process is fully underway, Barrick remains committed to engaging with the Government of Mali, in parallel, to identify a constructive, mutually acceptable solution. Arbitration is a neutral and internationally recognised dispute resolution mechanism and it does not preclude continued dialogue. Barrick’s consistent preference is to resolve differences through engagement based on mutual respect, legal certainty, and a shared commitment to long-term partnership.”

“For nearly three decades, Barrick has been a committed partner to Mali, supporting economic development and local communities. That commitment remains but so does Barrick’s responsibility to uphold the rights of its employees, protect shareholder value, and defend the legal framework under which it operates.”