Barrick Continues to Invest in Mali

Rhea-AI Summary

Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) continues to underscore its commitment to Mali's mining industry with significant investments aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex. Over the past 29 years, Barrick has invested more than $10 billion in the Malian economy, contributing 5% to 10% of the country's GDP annually. In the past year alone, Barrick's contributions exceeded $1 billion. CEO Mark Bristow emphasized the importance of sustainable benefit-sharing partnerships, similar to those in Tanzania and Papua New Guinea. Despite challenges in Mali's political and economic climate affecting exploration activities, Barrick is actively working with the National Directorate of Geology and Mines to expand its exploration footprint and deliver continued value to Mali and its stakeholders.

Positive

• Barrick Gold has invested over $10 billion in Mali over 29 years.
• The company contributes 5% to 10% of Mali's GDP annually.
• In the past year, Barrick's contributions to Mali's economy exceeded $1 billion.
• Barrick is working on expanding its exploration footprint in Mali.
• The benefit-sharing partnership model from Tanzania and Papua New Guinea has been successful and is being applied.

Negative

• Current economic and political climate in Mali has caused exploration companies to curtail or suspend operations, potentially impacting gold production.

Financial Analyst

Barrick Gold Corporation continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Malian economy by investing heavily in the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex. Over the past 29 years, the company has invested more than $10 billion and significantly contributed to the country's GDP. This commitment is substantial, given the current economic and political challenges in Mali.

From a financial perspective, sustained investment in a volatile region like Mali can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the company's dedication to maintaining operations and expanding exploration can lead to lucrative returns, especially if gold prices remain high. This proactive approach can secure long-term gains and reinforce their market position.

However, the risks cannot be overlooked. Political instability and economic challenges could lead to disruptions in production, increased operational costs and potential regulatory hurdles. Investors should consider these factors when evaluating Barrick's long-term strategy.

For gold investors, Barrick's performance in Mali will be a significant indicator of their capability to manage and thrive in high-risk environments. The balance between potential high returns and considerable risks will be critical for investment decisions.

Market Research Analyst

Barrick's commitment to a benefit-sharing partnership model is noteworthy. This model, already proven successful in Tanzania and Papua New Guinea, involves sharing economic benefits with local communities and governments. By adopting this approach, Barrick not only secures local support but also ensures the sustainability of its operations through mutual benefits.

The model's implementation in Mali could lead to enhanced stability and cooperation, potentially mitigating some of the risks associated with the region's political and economic climate. It also sets a precedent for other companies operating in similar environments, which could improve industry standards and relations with host countries.

This approach, however, requires careful negotiation and alignment of interests. Balancing the economic benefits while ensuring the operations remain financially viable is a complex task. The success of such partnerships can influence investor confidence and the company's reputation on a global scale.

For investors, Barrick's engagement in Mali under this model could be seen as a strategic move to foster long-term stability and prosperity, although the execution and outcomes will need to be closely monitored.

Legal Expert

In regions like Mali, where political and economic factors can be unpredictable, legal frameworks and agreements play a important role in the stability of mining operations. Barrick's proactive engagement with the National Directorate of Geology and Mines (DNGM) to expand their exploration footprint indicates a strategic move to secure their legal standing and operational rights in the country.

From a legal perspective, establishing robust agreements and clear benefit-sharing models can provide a safeguard against future disputes and operational interruptions. It is essential for Barrick to ensure that these agreements are comprehensive and enforceable, considering the potential for changes in the legal and regulatory landscape.

Investors should pay attention to the details of these legal frameworks and any emerging agreements, as they can significantly impact Barrick's operational stability and profitability. The ability to navigate the legal complexities of operating in Mali will be a key factor in the company's success in the region.

All amounts expressed in US dollars

LOULO, Mali, July 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) – Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow said here today the need to guarantee the long-term viability of the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex was of the utmost importance to ensure the Malian mining industry’s sustainability and maintain its substantial contribution to the country’s economy.

Speaking to local media and stakeholders, Bristow noted that over the past 29 years Barrick had invested more than $10 billion in the Malian economy, with its mines accounting for between 5% and 10% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) annually. In the past year alone, Barrick has contributed more than a $1 billion to the Malian economy.

“We continue to work constructively towards a global resolution of our differences and finding common ground on the key issue of sharing the economic benefits of our operations without damaging the future viability of these valuable contributors to the economy,” said Bristow.

“It’s worth noting that Barrick developed a highly successful benefit-sharing partnership for our Tanzanian operations which has since also been used as a model for the reopened Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea.”

Bristow cautioned that the current economic and political climate in Mali had caused exploration companies to curtail or suspend their operations in the country which would impact gold production in the long run.

“In contrast, Barrick has been engaging with the National Directorate of Geology and Mines (DNGM) to grow our exploration footprint here, securing our ability to deliver real value to Mali and our stakeholders in the country,” he said.

Enquiries

Investor and Media Relations
Kathy du Plessis
+44 20 7557 7738
Email: barrick@dpapr.com

Group Regional Manager, West Africa
Mahamadou Samaké
+223 66 75 61 36

West Africa and Saudi Arabia Operations Manager
Chiaka Berthe
+223 66 74 75 88
Website: www.barrick.com

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words “maintain”, “on track”, “opportunities”, “guidance”, “invest”, “extension”, “target”, “potential”, “could”, “will”, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to Loulo-Gounkoto’s ability to achieve its production guidance for 2024; Loulo Gounkoto’s productive partnership with the government of Mali; the Complex’s potential to continue to make major contributions to the country’s economy and mining industry while developing the skills of its in-country workforce; Barrick’s exploration strategy and the potential to find new discoveries and growth opportunities in the Loulo region; Barrick’s strategy, plans, targets and goals in respect of environmental and social governance issues, including with respect to greenhouse gas emissions reductions; and investments to local procurement and employment in Mali.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management’s experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in the Mali and other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics, including the effects and potential effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations related to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick’s ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

FAQ

How much has Barrick Gold invested in Mali?

Barrick Gold has invested over $10 billion in the Malian economy over the past 29 years.

What percentage of Mali's GDP does Barrick Gold contribute?

Barrick Gold accounts for between 5% and 10% of Mali's GDP annually.

How much did Barrick Gold contribute to Mali's economy last year?

In the past year alone, Barrick Gold contributed more than $1 billion to Mali's economy.

What is the significance of the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex?

The Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex is important for guaranteeing the long-term viability of Mali's mining industry and its economy.

How is Barrick Gold addressing the current economic and political climate in Mali?

Despite challenges, Barrick Gold is engaging with the National Directorate of Geology and Mines to expand its exploration footprint in Mali.

What model of benefit-sharing partnerships is Barrick Gold using?

Barrick Gold is using a successful benefit-sharing partnership model developed in Tanzania and applied to the reopened Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea.