Barrick Mining Corp. has reached an agreement with unions representing workers at its Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining operation in western Mali, averting planned strikes. The deal was reached following talks involving unions representing workers at the Loulo-Gounkoto mine and at Food & Events Africa, a catering and support-services contractor, according to Abdoulaye Coulibaly of Mali’s National Workers’ Union, or UNTM. The strike threat has been resolved, involving workers at Food & Events Africa, Somilo SA and Gounkoto SA.

The Loulo-Gounkoto complex, near the border with Senegal, had been at the center of a dispute with Mali’s ruling junta since 2023, when authorities introduced a new mining code. The standoff escalated when authorities arrested Barrick employees and seized about three tons of gold. Toronto-based Barrick suspended operations in January 2025 and took its dispute to international arbitration.

Mali placed Loulo-Gounkoto under provisional state administration in June 2025. The mining company and the government reached a settlement in November, restoring operational control. Barrick subsequently resumed operations, which produced about 190,000 ounces of gold in the first half of 2026.

Unions representing workers at Food & Events Africa had called a five-day strike from Sept. 28 over overtime payments. Unions representing workers at Somilo and Gounkoto separately threatened four-day work stoppages over overtime pay and reimbursement of mission expenses.