Mali’s military government has established a new ministerial-level position to oversee the country’s gold mining industry, signaling a more direct role for the presidency in managing the sector.
The post, created by a presidential decree on 19 January, grants the minister authority to implement mining policies, monitor compliance with the mining code, and review reports from license holders tasks previously handled by the Ministry of Mines.
Hilaire Bébien Diarra, an earth sciences expert and former Barrick Mining executive, has been appointed to the new role. Diarra, who joined the government last year as a special adviser to the presidency, was previously involved in negotiations over the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex, Mali’s largest industrial gold mine.
His appointment is viewed as a strategic move by the government amid ongoing disputes with Barrick over taxes and state stakes in mining projects.
Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, has recently tightened its mining regulations, including a 2023 mining code that helped the government recover approximately 761 billion CFA francs ($1.2 billion) in arrears. However, the stricter framework has caused tension with mining operators, contributing to a 23% decline in industrial gold output in 2025, according to provisional government data.
Under the new structure, the presidency will oversee major mining permits and contract negotiations, while the Finance Ministry handles tax matters and the Mines Ministry focuses on regulation. Analysts say the changes aim to strengthen government oversight and ensure that gold revenues, Mali’s main source of income, are better controlled.
