The Malian government has announced the suspension of all artisanal gold mining activities from June 15 to September 30, 2025, citing severe safety concerns due to the upcoming rainy season. The decision, announced on Tuesday by the Ministry of Mines, follows meteorological forecasts predicting heavy rainfall, increasing the likelihood of fatal landslides and tunnel collapses in mining areas. A spokesperson for the ministry told Reuters that the measure is strictly precautionary, aimed at protecting thousands of workers, many of whom operate under dangerous, unregulated conditions using traditional tools and outdated techniques.
The move comes just months after Mali banned the issuance of new artisanal mining permits to foreign nationals, following two deadly mining incidents earlier in the year. One of the worst accidents occurred in January 2024, when over 70 miners, mostly women, died after a tunnel collapsed at an informal site. Deadly accidents are common in Mali’s sprawling artisanal mining sector, where safety protocols are often absent, and illegal operations are widespread. Despite these dangers, artisanal mining remains a vital economic lifeline for many rural communities, spurred by rising global gold prices and lack of formal employment.
Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, recorded 51 metric tons of gold output in 2024—a 23% decline compared to the previous year. The government has expressed growing concern over the loss of revenue and control over its natural resources. It is currently locked in a legal dispute with Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold over resource management and regulatory compliance. The government says this seasonal suspension is part of broader efforts to reform and regulate the artisanal mining sector, reduce fatalities, and tighten control over national gold production, which is critical to the country’s economy.
