Mali Gold Mine: Workers' Key Issues

Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine in Mali is facing threats of labour disruption from September 28 due to the issuance of a strike notice by unions representing workers at the gold complex over unresolved issues such as overtime pay, mission costs, and labor agreements.

This strike comes at a time when the mine is recovering from prolonged labor disputes with the company and the government. The gold mine has produced about 190,000 ounces of gold during the first half of 2026, which is lower than its production levels before the dispute.

Why Are Loulo-Gounkoto Workers Throwing Strikes?

Unions representing employees of SOMILO SA, which runs the Loulo gold mine, and GOUNKOTO SA, which runs the Gounkoto gold mine, have both declared strikes lasting four days from September 28 to October 1.

It is stated in documents obtained by Reuters that workers claim management has failed to address their demands that have been presented since February. These demands include unpaid and disputed overtime, reimbursement of mission costs, and the execution of previously made labor arrangements.

Local union reports provide more details regarding workers’ demands. Apart from that, workers have also been raising their voices concerning welfare arrangements, facility improvements, and other benefits related to their medical insurance and allowances.

What Are Workers Demanding From Barrick?

There are some differences in workers’ demands among the unions and contractors, but there are still some common elements.

The list includes payment for the mission costs and execution of labor agreements. Some unions have also been requesting the reinstatement of the overtime payment according to the previous agreement and payment of outstanding amounts.

Additionally, there are some demands concerning the welfare of the workers. These include provision of proper protective gear and health-related benefits, and facility improvement. In some locations, unions have also mentioned demands related to food, water, and accommodation.

The catering and support services contractor Food & Events Africa (FEA) is currently experiencing another five-day strike from September 28 to October 2.

What Makes This Significant for Barrick’s Mining in Mali?

The importance of this comes from the fact that Loulo-Gounkoto is still restoring production after the protracted disagreement between Barrick and Mali’s military-led government.

During the disagreement, the authorities of Mali put the mine under state administration temporarily until operations at Barrick were resumed after the conclusion of the agreement that was signed in November 2025. Mali extended the permit for Barrick to operate Loulo for 10 years.

Production has been slowly restored. The production in the first half of the year, which is about 190,000 ounces, is still below the pre-dispute numbers. Therefore, uninterrupted operations will be crucial for Barrick to restore production.

What Will Be the Effect of a Stoppage?

If a stoppage takes place, it might affect operations of the mine, such as extraction of gold, processing of the mined material, and related services. The scale of the effect will depend on the participation of particular employees and the duration of the action.

Barrick and Mali’s mines ministry have not commented to Reuters yet.

Conclusion

The looming strikes by the workers at Loulo-Gounkoto are yet another problem that Barrick has to deal with after having sorted out problems with the government in its effort to restore its operations in Mali. The workers want something done regarding overtime, mission costs, labor pacts, and welfare, among other things; however, the main union is planning strikes for four days starting September 28.