Photo: Resolute Mining
Resolute Mining CEO Terry Holohan and two other colleagues are being held in Bamako, Mali, as the military-led government presses the Australian-based company to pay back taxes on its Syama gold mine, reported Business Insider Africa.
The government insists that Resolute allegedly owes 100 billion CFA francs ($162 million) in taxes identified in a sector-wide audit, according to sources. Discussions are ongoing about a possible agreement where Resolute would pay half of the $162 million now and the remainder later, noted one source.
Resolute has labeled the claims as “unsubstantiated” and said it continues to work with the Mali’s junta toward a resolution.
According to Business Insider Africa, the junta has been pressing mining companies to renegotiate their contracts after enacting laws that increase the country’s share of mining profits. Malian leaders have even warned Barrick Gold that it may reclaim the Loulo mine permit when it expires in 2026.
Allied Gold and B2Gold have both recently reached agreements with Mali’s government for their Sadiola and Fekola projects, agreeing to payments of around $116 million and $204 million, respectively, under the new terms.
Source: Business Insider Africa