Barrick Gold (NYSE: GOLD) CEO Mark Bristow is confident about concluding negotiations with Mali’s junta-led government on a new mining code before the end of the year.

Discussions between Barrick and Malian authorities on implementing new regulations at the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex—one of the African nation’s largest gold mines—have been ongoing for months.

Sources cited by Reuters report that Mali is seeking around $500 million in unpaid taxes from Barrick as the government aims to increase revenue from the mining sector.

Bristow told Reuters that Barrick has offered Mali 55% of the economic benefits from Loulo-Gounkoto, in a deal he likened to an agreement reached with Tanzania about five years ago.

The CEO declined to comment on Mali’s cash demands or claims of unpaid taxes and fines.

“We are prepared to give them more of the economic benefits,” Bristow said in a Reuter’s interview. “The key is to preserve the asset’s long-term value. Any increase in basic costs affects project longevity, which ultimately impacts the country.”

While Barrick has proposed a larger share of “economic benefits” for Mali, the company will continue to “carry the capital risk, as we have always done,” Bristow noted, adding that discussions remain ongoing.

The miner reported on Thursday that full-year production at Loulo-Gounkoto is expected to reach the upper end of its forecast (560,000 ounces).

The Loulo-Gounkoto complex currently holds gold reserves estimated at 6.7 million ounces, included within a measured and indicated resource totalling 9.1 million ounces. It produced 683,000 ounces of gold in 2023. 

Lower Nevada production

Barrick missed Wall Street’s third-quarter profit estimates on Thursday, affected by higher costs and reduced production at its Nevada operations.

Gold output at Nevada Gold Mines dropped to 385,000 ounces in Q3, down from 401,000 ounces in the prior quarter.

All-in-sustaining costs (AISC) for gold rose to $1,507 per ounce in Q3 from $1,255 per ounce a year earlier. Copper AISC increased 10.5% year-over-year, though it declined quarter-over-quarter.

Barrick said it expects improved performance in Q4 and anticipates meeting its 2024 production target of 3.9 to 4.3 million ounces.

“Reaching the lower end of guidance is achievable, though Q4 will require significant efforts,” TD Cowen analysts noted in a report.

Barrick shares fell 1.2% by 12:10 p.m. EDT Thursday. The miner has a market capitalization of $32.1 billion.

(With files from Reuters)

Source: MINING.COM – Read More