Mali’s council of Ministers approves transfer of Morila Gold mine assets
During its regular session on June 4, 2025, at the Koulouba Palace, the Council of Ministers of Mali, chaired by Transition President General Assimi Goïta, adopted a key decree concerning the future of Morila S.A., once a flagship gold mining operation in the country. The decree approves the transfer of shares and financial claims related to the company, marking a pivotal shift in Mali’s management of its mining resources.
Established in 2000 to exploit gold deposits in Koumantou, Bougouni region (southern Mali), Morila S.A. was originally dominated by foreign interests with AngloGold Ashanti and Randgold Resources. Each held 40% stakes, while the Malian state retained 20%. For two decades, the mine ranked among Mali’s most productive gold sites.
However, declining ore quality and the depletion of its main deposit led to reduced output by the late 2010s.
By 2020, operator Barrick Gold initiated closure procedures, completed in early 2021, raising concerns over the socioeconomic impact on the region.
A subsequent agro-industrial project launched on the site as a sustainable alternative failed to deliver expected employment or economic benefits.
The newly approved decree, facilitating the divestment of shares and claims, reflects the government’s strategic reassessment of Morila’s assets.
This move could signal new investor involvement or a state-led reorganization, aligning with Mali’s broader push for economic sovereignty and local value addition in its mining sector.
The decision underscores the transitional government’s commitment to reclaiming control over mineral resources and advancing development models that prioritize national resource beneficiation.
Neil CAMARA
