Ayuda en Acción, Indorama Ventures and IMG Group Join Forces to Promote Recycling as a Driver of Development in Mali
MADRID--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bamako, the capital of Mali, is facing a severe environmental crisis, exacerbated by the uncontrolled accumulation of waste, open waste burning, and widespread deforestation to produce charcoal. This situation not only pollutes the environment and accelerates desertification but also puts public health at risk and limits development opportunities.
An estimated 1,950 people – 40% of whom are women – will directly participate in the project, improving their socio-economic opportunities in Mali.
In response to this challenge, the NGO Ayuda en Acción, together with Indorama Ventures, and IMG Group, have signed a collaboration agreement through the adaPETation ® network to strengthen plastic recycling in Bamako, via the Plastic2Prosperity initiative. The primary goal of the alliance is to create socio-economic opportunities for the people of Bamako and for those displaced by conflict in the north of the country, through the circular economy. This partnership aims to demonstrate how recycling not only benefits the environment but also generates socio-economic opportunities in complex settings.
Plastic2Prosperity in Mali, the beginning of meaningful change
The initiative takes shape through the launch of Bamagreen, the first project under the Plastic2Prosperity programme by the adaPETation ® network, created by IMG Group.
adaPETation ® brings together strategic actors to address a shared challenge: transforming the systemic issue of plastic into an opportunity to regenerate the planet, people, and communities. Through its Plastic2Prosperity programme, it supports projects that foster plastic circularity, but which go beyond recycling to generate real wellbeing where it is most needed. Its distinctive approach places people at the centre, promoting inclusive and equitable development opportunities.
The project will strengthen the recycling unit of Malian social enterprise ECOBUILD and implement an integrated reforestation and environmental awareness programme in the city. The aim is to reduce the impact of plastic waste while creating stable and decent employment opportunities for the local population. At least 1,950 people – 40% of them women – are expected to be directly involved. In addition, over 100,000 people will benefit through awareness campaigns and waste collection efforts.
One of the main target groups for this project is the displaced population living in Bamako, with a particular focus on providing stable employment and income for women and young people.
A partnership for sustainability
'This agreement reflects our commitment to sustainability and to creating opportunities for the most vulnerable populations. We are not only addressing an environmental problem but also providing economic opportunities for those who need them most,' says Jean Christophe Gerard, Regional Coordinator for the Sahel at Ayuda en Acción. The organisation has been working in Mali since 2021.
"At Indorama Ventures, we believe that waste is not just a problem—it's a powerful opportunity. By raising awareness and investing in circular solutions like Plastic2Prosperity, we can transform environmental challenges into engines of socio-economic growth. This project in Mali shows what's possible when we work together to regenerate communities and our planet,' says Yash Lohia Executive Director and Chairman of ESG Council at Indorama Ventures.
'Bamagreen embodies everything we aim to achieve with adaPETation ®: transforming an environmental challenge into an opportunity to empower people, regenerate communities and build a fairer future,' says Carlota Calonje, Social Impact Manager at IMG Group. 'This project is only the beginning. We aim to continue building partnerships to scale this impact in other places where plastic is both part of the problem – and the solution.'
With Bamagreen, the first step is taken towards a more inclusive and regenerative circular economy, creating opportunities for decent employment and paving the way for a cleaner, fairer future for all.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Malian court adjourns hearing on Barrick Mining's gold complex
A Malian court has adjourned a hearing on whether Barrick Mining's Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex should be placed under provisional administration, according to a Reuters report, citing sources. The court's decision to delay the hearing to Thursday (5 June) comes amidst a significant dispute between the Canadian mining giant and Mali's military-led government. The disagreement centres around the implementation of a new mining code, introduced in 2023, which demands higher taxes and greater government ownership of the gold mines. Operations at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex have been suspended since January after the government seized approximately three tonnes (t) of gold. Barrick Mining has been accused of failing to meet its tax obligations, leading to the government blocking the company's gold exports since early November. The standoff has persisted with Barrick Mining stating that operations can only recommence once the Malian Government lifts the export restrictions. This dispute occurs against the backdrop of surging gold prices, which have risen by 28.5% year-to-date, reaching a record high of $3,500.05/oz on 22 April. Last month, Mali's Government, which holds a stake in the mining complex, requested the Bamako Commercial Court to appoint a provisional administrator. This move is seen as a push to exert more control over the mines as negotiations continue to stall over the adherence to the 2023 mining code. The ongoing negotiations have been further complicated by the detention of four Barrick employees since November 2024 and an arrest warrant for CEO Mark Bristow issued in December 2024. The charges, which Barrick has publicly rejected without elaboration, include allegations of money laundering and financing of terrorism, as per a court document. In response to the legal challenges in Mali, Barrick Mining has sought the intervention of the World Bank's arbitration tribunal. The company has requested provisional measures as the local court prepares to rule on the government's bid to assume control of the Loulo-Gounkoto mine on 2 June 2025. The legal dispute intensified following Mali's seizure of gold from Barrick's mine over alleged tax evasion, a claim the mining operator disputes. "Malian court adjourns hearing on Barrick Mining's gold complex" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Judge to hear Mali's request to reopen Barrick mine under new management, official says
By Portia Crowe and Divya Rajagopal DAKAR/TORONTO (Reuters) -A court in Mali will hold a hearing on Thursday to consider a request made by Mali's military government to reopen Canadian miner Barrick's Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine under a provisional administration, a court official said. Granting the request would represent a major escalation of a dispute between the West African country and the Canadian miner after operations at the complex were suspended in January in a dispute over taxes and ownership. Souleymane Maïga, vice president of the Tribunal de Commerce of Bamako, told Reuters there will be a filing process and preparation of the case on Thursday. Three sources told Reuters earlier on Wednesday a judge was expected to rule on Mali government's request to put Barrick's mines under new provincial management. In its earnings update on May 7, Barrick said it had on April 17 received a notice from the government threatening to impose provisional management unless the mines resumed operations by April 20. Barrick Mining, previously called Barrick Gold, and Mali's government have been at odds since 2023 over the implementation of a new mining code that raises taxes and gives Mali's government a greater share in the gold mines. Barrick has said it can only resume operations when the Malian government removes restrictions on gold exports. Operations at the mines were halted after the government seized around 3 metric tons of gold worth some $317 million at last week's price, accusing the company of not fulfilling its tax obligations. The government had been blocking Barrick's gold exports since early November. As a shareholder with a 20% stake in the facility, Mali's government requested reopening of the mining complex under provisional administration at the Tribunal de Commerce de Bamako Court, two of the people said. If the judge agrees, a new management body would be appointed to reopen and run the mines, the sources said. Spokespersons for Barrick and Mali's Mines Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The latest development comes as the two sides negotiate a memorandum of understanding to resolve the dispute. Barrick CEO Mark Bristow told Reuters this month that the two sides had come close to reaching an agreement three times. Reuters reported in February that Barrick had signed an agreement to end the dispute, under which it would pay a total of 275 billion CFA ($438 million) to the government in return for the release of four detained managers and its seized gold. The agreement went to the Malian government for approval. The government's justification for not approving the agreement was that Barrick had signed the "wrong" document, according to one of the people, who is familiar with the government's position. Another source said the government has also asked for additional payment. The person familiar with the government's position said any additional money demanded by the government would be in line with taxes the company has not paid since suspending operations. Barrick in December 2024 launched an international arbitration case against Mali regarding the dispute. A lawyer familiar with the dispute said provisional administration could be an attempt by Mali to expropriate Barrick's assets. Sign in to access your portfolio
Hamilton Spectator
26-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Barrick Opposes Mali Government's Attempt To Take Over the Day-to-Day Operations at Loulo-Gounkoto, Has Continued to Support the Workforce
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B)(TSX:ABX) – A ruling by the President of the Bamako Commercial Tribunal following submissions made on May 22 by Barrick's Loulo and Gounkoto mines opposing the Malian government's request to place the mining complex under provisional administration, is expected on June 2. On May 8, the government formally submitted its request to the court seeking to impose provisional administration over the site. Barrick believes there is no basis — either in law or in practice — for the day-to-day operations at Loulo-Gounkoto to be handed over to a court appointed interim administrator. The move follows a preliminary hearing on May 15 during which the mines were granted the opportunity to formally respond. This latest escalation by the Malian government follows the continued unlawful detention of several Barrick employees — now held for over five months — and the ongoing blockage of gold exports from the complex. Despite the government's actions, including the blocking of gold exports and the seizure of stockpiled production, Barrick has maintained support for its employees and contractors. Since operations were reluctantly suspended, the company has continued to pay wages and support the operations on an ongoing monthly basis. The attempt to interfere with Loulo-Gounkoto's operations is without precedent or lawful justification. It disregards Barrick's rights under both Malian law and binding agreements, and it is inconsistent with the principles of due process and mutual respect that should underpin partnerships between governments and long-term investors. As recently as last week, Barrick wrote to the Malian Minister of Economy and Finances to reiterate its availability to resume discussions on the terms of a satisfactory agreement allowing for the release of its detained employees and the resumption of activities in the interest of the employees, the country and all stakeholders. Barrick has operated in Mali for nearly three decades, building some of the country's most successful mining operations and contributing significantly to its economy and social development. It continues to seek a fair and sustainable resolution to the existing dispute and has already initiated international arbitration proceedings in accordance with the dispute resolution mechanism agreed upon in the Mining Conventions. The company remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for its unjustly detained employees and in defending the integrity of its investment against actions that risk undermining the long-term viability of the operations, stakeholder value or the legal framework underpinning its presence in the country. Enquiries: Investor and Media Relations Kathy du Plessis +44 20 7557 7738 Email: barrick@ Website: 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 the gold stock removed from site; the outcome of dispute resolution through arbitration; 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.
