Barrick Mali Gold Mine Unions Threaten Strike Over Pay Demands

Multiple unions at Barrick's flagship Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex in Mali have issued strike notices, threatening labour disruptions from September 28. The notices were filed by unions representing mine workers and support staff contractor Food & Events Africa (FEA). Workers are demanding overtime pay, reimbursement of mission expenses, and implementation of labour agreements.

The Loulo-Gounkoto complex is one of Mali's largest gold-producing operations, producing about 190,000 ounces of gold in the first half of 2026. The complex was returned to Canadian miner Barrick in December after a nearly year-long dispute. Mali has been tightening its grip on the mining sector, seeking a bigger share of revenues.

Unions representing workers at SOMILO SA and GOUNKOTO SA have called four-day strikes from September 28 to October 1. Separately, unions representing FEA workers have called five-day strikes from September 28 to October 2. Unions representing mining regulator staff have also called a 72-hour strike from September 29 to October 1.