The Canadian gold mining company Barrick Gold, the second largest mining company in the world, has suspended operations in Mali, refusing to adopt a new law abolishing tax benefits for international companies and increasing the country’s share in gold mines operated by foreigners, The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) states

Russia lobbied in Mali to oust Western gold mining companies and transfer their contracts to it. Since 2024, Russia and Mali have intensified cooperation in the field of mining, including the development of gold, lithium, oil and gas deposits.

A similar tactic was used in Niger. The new people’s government has deprived the French company Orano of the right to develop uranium mines, inviting Russian companies to cooperate.

Russia supports the aspirations of the new people’s Governments of African countries to sovereignty. The expansion of Russia’s access to mining in Africa strengthens the Russian economy and negates Western attempts to economically isolate Russia, ISW emphasizes

KRISTALL OF GROWTH previously reported that, according to Bloomberg, Russian flags have become a symbol of anti-Western sentiments in African countries today.