Mali’s ruling military authorities have taken a major step to strengthen state control over the country’s mining industry by creating a new ministerial-level position dedicated exclusively to the sector. The move places direct supervision of mining activities under the presidency, reinforcing the government’s grip on gold production, Mali’s most important source of revenue.
A former senior mining executive has been appointed to lead the new office, signaling a more centralized and assertive approach to managing foreign operators and mining contracts.
Expanded Powers Over Mining Operations
Legal texts establishing the new role grant the minister broad authority over mining governance. These powers include overseeing national mining policy, enforcing compliance with the mining code, and examining reports submitted by license holders. Duties that were previously divided among existing ministries have now been consolidated under the newly created position.
Government officials say this restructuring is intended to improve oversight, strengthen enforcement of standards, and ensure that mining activity aligns more closely with state interests and community concerns.
Strategic Appointment Amid Industry Disputes
The post has been filled by Hilaire Bébien Diarra, a Malian specialist in earth sciences who joined the government after working for a major international gold producer. His appointment comes against the backdrop of a prolonged dispute between the state and foreign mining companies over taxes, ownership stakes, and contract terms at Mali’s largest gold operations.
Diarra had previously served as a presidential adviser during tense negotiations, and his promotion is widely viewed as a calculated move by the authorities to reinforce their negotiating position with mining firms.
Revenue Push and Industry Impact
Mali is among Africa’s leading gold producers, and recent years have seen growing calls for stronger regulation, improved security, and greater economic benefits from the sector. The government has already introduced a tougher mining code, which it says has helped recover hundreds of billions of CFA francs in unpaid dues.
However, the stricter framework has unsettled investors and contributed to falling output. Provisional figures indicate that industrial gold production declined sharply in 2025, reflecting the impact of ongoing disputes and regulatory changes. As Mali tightens its control, the balance between state revenue goals and investor confidence remains a central challenge for the sector’s future.
