Mining licence change uncertainty for global firms

A decision by the Mali Government to revoke more than 90 mining licences will create further uncertainty for international firms looking to invest in the region, experts have warned. According to an Out-law report, the West African state confirmed late last week that it was revoking permits for international companies operating in the country. The permits, which had been issued between 2015 and 2022, were for exploration of gold, bauxite, uranium and other minerals, with the revocation signed by the country’s Mines Minister, Amadou Keita. Edward James and Vishana Mangalparsad, corporate crime experts at Pinsent Masons, said the decision was a sign of an increasing shift in the region. ‘The move is part of a recent trend across the African continent which has seen various countries amending their laws and regulations in an effort to increase the benefits to local stakeholders,’ said James. Mali, which operates under military rule, had paused a suspension of its mining permits earlier this year in the wake of adopting a new national code for mine operations which opened the door for greater state and national involvement in the process, following similar changes by Zambia and Botswana last year. Neighbouring Burkina Faso announced it was nationalising its mining operations around the same time, with Uganda launching its own state-owned mining company in the summer of 2025. Mangalparsad said: ‘There have also been more radical interventions in the mining sectors of certain African regions in the past year. Maintaining the rule of law is essential to prevent unintended consequences and to effectively promote sustainable development.’

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