Mali’s military leadership has established a new ministerial-level position to oversee the mining sector, thereby enhancing presidential oversight of the nation’s vital gold industry. A former Barrick Mining executive has been appointed to this role.
Legal documentation outlining the responsibilities of the position indicates that the minister will supervise mining policy implementation, monitor compliance with the mining code, and review reports provided by title holders—duties previously managed by the mines ministry.
According to a presidential decree dated January 19, Hilaire Bebian Diarra, an earth-science specialist who transitioned from Barrick to government service last year while negotiating control of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, has assumed the position. During the contentious negotiations over Mali’s largest industrial gold mine, Diarra served as special adviser to the presidency, as President Assimi Goita’s administration pursued increased taxation and greater state involvement in mining projects. This appointment is widely viewed as a significant strategic decision impacting the Canadian mining company.
Diarra was not available for comment at the time of reporting.
STRENGTHENED MINING OVERSIGHT STRUCTURES
As one of Africa’s leading gold producers, Mali has organized several national mining forums in recent years advocating for reinforced mechanisms to address security, regulatory compliance, and community impacts within the industry.
A senior official confirmed that the presidency now leads mining oversight efforts, including decisions regarding major exploitation permits and contractual negotiations—such as the Barrick dispute—managed directly from the presidential palace. Fiscal affairs are handled by the finance ministry, while the mining ministry retains regulatory functions.
Diarra’s appointment coincides with Mali’s increased regulation of its mining sector, the country’s largest source of revenue, under the updated 2023 mining code. This legislation enabled the recovery of 761 billion CFA francs ($1.2 billion) in arrears, according to an official statement in December.
The more stringent regulatory framework unsettled international miners and contributed to a two-year impasse with Barrick, resulting in a 23% decline in industrial gold output in 2025, provisional data from the mines ministry indicate.
