Mali’s mining companies paid 888.5 billion CFA francs (about $1.57 billion) to the state in 2025, according to new figures from the Ministry of Mines. The total represents a 6.4% increase compared with 835.1 billion CFA francs collected in 2024. The ministry data covers payments made by mining companies operating across the West African country.
The ministry figures show that government receipts rose even as industrial gold output declined during the same period. The payments were supported by higher global bullion prices, which helped offset revenue impacts linked to reduced production volumes. A senior ministry official said record-high gold prices compensated for lower output, enabling the government to collect more revenue despite fewer ounces mined.
Payments to Mali’s state from the mining sector
Mali hosts more than 15 industrial-scale gold operations run by major international companies, including Barrick Mining, B2Gold, Resolute Mining, Endeavour Mining, and Hummingbird Resources. The sector supports employment, exports, and public finances, according to the official description of Mali’s mining landscape.
In 2025, tax revenues accounted for 66.1% of total payments made to the government. Customs duties represented an additional 10.5%, while the remaining 23.3% came from state income classified as “domaines.” The “domaines” category primarily consists of dividends earned through government ownership stakes in mining companies.
The Ministry of Mines did not provide an official explanation for the increase in total payments. Industry sources attributed the rise to exceptional performance of global gold markets throughout 2025. The ministry’s senior official linked higher receipts to gold price levels offsetting reduced production volumes.
Industrial gold production down in 2025
Official data indicates that Mali’s national industrial gold production fell by 23% in 2025. Output declined from 54.8 metric tons in 2024 to 42.2 metric tons in 2025. Revenue and production moved in opposite directions over the year, based on the figures cited.
The production decrease was largely attributed to a prolonged suspension of operations at several sites operated by Barrick. The suspension followed an extended dispute between Barrick and the Malian government. The disruption lasted for more than six months and affected overall production levels across Mali.
Mali’s role in African gold production and export revenues
Mali remains a leading gold-producing country in Africa, with established mining infrastructure and significant foreign investment over time. Gold is described as one of Mali’s most valuable export commodities within its mining sector profile.
The sector continues to support government budgets through taxes, royalties, customs payments, and dividend income tied to state ownership stakes. The figures provided also indicate that mining sector receipts reached an all-time high in 2025 despite operational disruptions affecting output.
The outlook for future production trends was described as dependent on resolving operational disputes, maintaining regulatory stability, and continuing investment in exploration and mine development. The latest data emphasized that profitability in the gold market can influence government revenues during periods of exceptionally strong commodity prices.
