Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold announced Monday its strong opposition to the Malian juntas request for temporary administration over its gold mines in western Mali.
This marks an escalation in a months-long dispute concerning the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, one of the worlds largest gold deposits, where Barrick holds an 80 stake.
Malis junta, which seized power in 2020 and 2021, has been increasing pressure on foreign mining companies, following reforms to the mining code last year.
The military government seeks a larger share of profits from extraction activities.
In April, authorities ordered the closure of Barricks Bamako offices over alleged non-payment of hundreds of millions in taxes, and four Malian employees were detained in November.