Barrick Responds to Mali Government’s Claims of Breaching Its Commitments
October 24 2024 - 3:10PM
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) denies the
allegations made by the Malian Ministry of Mines and the Finance
Ministry that it had not honored its commitments made under an
agreement designed to achieve a more equitable distribution of
mineral resource exploitation to the benefit of all stakeholders.
As announced by Barrick on September 30, the
company and the government agreed on a negotiation framework to
achieve a global resolution of their disputes. Since that date,
Barrick has been actively engaged with the government in pursuit of
such a settlement, the terms of which will be set out in a
memorandum of agreement.
This memorandum of agreement is intended to
settle outstanding differences and to establish the principles that
would guide Barrick’s partnership with the government in future,
including an increase in the state’s share of the economic benefits
generated by the Loulo-Gounkoto complex.
In early October, Barrick made a payment to the
government of FCFA 50 billion (US$85 million) in the context of the
ongoing negotiations. Since then, it has consistently maintained
its efforts to engage with the government. While Barrick does not
accept any claims of wrongdoing, it has chosen to act in good faith
as a long-standing partner of Mali, aiming to resolve outstanding
disputes through this memorandum of agreement.
Barrick president and chief executive Mark
Bristow said the company’s mutually beneficial relationship with
successive Malian governments had endured for 30 years and
occasional differences had always been amicably resolved. Barrick
remains committed to finding a mutually acceptable solution to the
current impasse in the interest of all stakeholders.
Barrick enquiriesInvestor and
media relationsKathy du Plessis+44 20 7557 7738Email:
barrick@dpapr.comWebsite: 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 “continue”, “intended”,
“committed”, “engage”, “negotiate”, “pursue” and similar
expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular,
this press release contains forward-looking statements including,
without limitation, with respect to: the status of negotiations
with the Government of Mali in respect of ongoing disputes
regarding the Loulo-Gounkoto Complex and Barrick’s commitment to
reach a mutually acceptable solution; the potential to increase the
Government of Mali’s share in the economic benefits of
Loulo-Gounkoto; and Loulo-Gounkoto’s partnership with the
Government of 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: 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 Mali and other jurisdictions
in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business
in the future; 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; 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; 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.
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