Mali Establishes State — Owned Company to Manage Mining Holdings. Bamako, Mali — February 9, 2026 Mali has announced the creation of a state-owned company, Sopamim, to manage the country’s holdings in mining companies, according to official statements. This move comes after Mali’s long-standing dispute with Canadian miner Barrick Gold, which has recently been resolved.
The newly formed company, fully owned by the state of Mali, will be responsible for acquiring and managing Mali’s mining assets. Mali, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, hosts several mining companies, including Barrick Gold, Resolute Mining, Endeavour Mining, and Hummingbird Resources.
The establishment of Sopamim follows a trend in West Africa where resource — producing countries are establishing state-owned companies to manage their mining assets.
Niger and Guinea have also created state — owned companies to manage their mining interests.
The creation of a mining company in Mali follows the conclusion of Bamako’s long fight with Canadian miner Barrick Gold. Mali’s junta had tightened regulations on the mining sector, which is key to its economy, before falling into dispute with Barrick.
Bamako had introduced a new industry code in recent years granting the government a bigger share of profits from mining activities in the name of national sovereignty.
It accused Barrick of not properly paying taxes, royalties, and dividends owed to the state. Mali seized gold stocks and also closed the lucrative Loulo-Gounkoto mine.
Last November, the two parties announced an end to their dispute.
The new code also increased tax collection, helping to push up state revenues from gold mining companies by 52. 5% in 2024.
Last month, Mali named a former Barrick executive as special adviser to the presidency who will oversee the mining sector.
Regional officials confirmed that the creation of Sopamim is part of efforts to strengthen state control over the mining industry and ensure better management and revenue generation from these resources. Further details regarding the operational aspects of Sopamim and its potential impact on the mining industry in Mali are expected to be released in the coming days.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
