Latest news with #Mali
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Barrick seeks World Bank arbitration on government takeover of Mali mine
Barrick Mining has sought intervention from the World Bank's arbitration tribunal amid a legal dispute in Mali, where its Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine risks falling under government control. The Canadian miner's request for "provisional measures" comes as a local court in Mali is set to decide on the government's bid to place the mine under provisional administration on 2 June 2025, according to a Reuters report. The dispute escalated after Mali seized three tonnes of gold from Barrick's mine in January over alleged non-payment of taxes - a claim Barrick contests. The company has now turned to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), seeking to prevent further actions by the Malian government that could worsen the situation. 'Provisional measures' refer to Barrick's plea for an order that would stop the Mali government from taking steps such as appointing an administrator for the mine, explained Timothy Foden of Boies Schiller Flexner. Barrick and Mali's Mines Ministry have not responded to queries regarding the ongoing legal proceedings. Mali, the third-largest gold producer in Africa, has enacted a new mining code and is asserting more control over its mines, which are predominantly operated by Western companies. The military-led government is intent on increasing mining revenues, deeming current agreements inequitable, and has demanded compliance from foreign mining companies. While most have complied with the government's demands, Barrick has stood firm, citing over two decades of substantial investment in Mali's economy. The company has accused the government of shifting demands and unfairly targeting its executives. The conflict has led to the shutdown of Barrick's Bamako corporate office and the dismissal of workers by the mine's contractors. An official familiar with the Mali government's stance stated that the matter is a domestic tax issue and does not warrant international arbitration. "Barrick seeks World Bank arbitration on government takeover of Mali mine" 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. Sign in to access your portfolio
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Mali On Crafting Cinematic Pop: 'Dr. Dust Had To Feel Both Comfortable And Unsettling
Last Updated: Mali talks to News18 Showsha about her latest single Dr. Dust, her creative process, cultic visuals, and staying honest in today's music industry. Mali, the evocative moniker of singer-songwriter Maalavika Manoj, is not just an artist—she's a storyteller who makes sense of chaos through melody. With a discography that spans tender introspection and bold experimentation, she's steadily become one of the most magnetic voices in India's independent music scene. Her latest single Dr. Dust is both a sonic departure and a philosophical reckoning—a hypnotic piece that wraps themes of control and vulnerability inside synth-heavy grooves and cinematic visuals. Born in Chennai and raised on a diet of AR Rahman, Ilayaraja, and Joni Mitchell, Mali's music today is a shimmering blend of retro nostalgia and contemporary texture. Whether she's unpacking personal journeys or offering quiet critiques of societal structures, her songwriting pulses with poetic melancholy and fierce self-awareness. She's not afraid to be vulnerable—because, in her world, truth is the core of every song. In this candid conversation with News18 Showsha, Mali opens up about the cultic inspirations behind Dr. Dust, the emotional and artistic duality that defines her sound, and what it means to be a woman creating art in the digital age. From early roles as a background artist to performing at Wembley Arena, from working with legends like A.R. Rahman to crafting Tamil synthpop, Mali charts a path that is fearless, fluid, and deeply rooted in feeling. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mali (@maalavikamanoj) Here are the excerpts: 'Dr. Dust" feels both personal and socially reflective. What inspired this track, and what does the 'dust' symbolize for you? Dr. Dust to me represents all forms of subversive control. It was inspired by controlling power dynamics that go unnoticed in everyday life but are potentially extremely dangerous. There's a hypnotic groove and a cinematic quality to the music video. How involved were you in shaping the visual narrative, and what message were you hoping to convey? Very involved. I became obsessed with the world of cults and how so many of them were just bizarre in their belief systems but still found loyal followers. I shared this fascination with Hitaali Dharamshi, the director of the video and we both conceptualized a story based on a fictional cult. In the belief system of this cult, a leader had to be ritually sacrificed before a new successor could rise to her position, and that circle of life carries on. The track evokes a kind of dreamy disillusionment. Was there a specific moment or event that triggered its creation? It was meant to sound like a confusing feeling – at once both comfortable and unsettling. Rohan Rajadhyaksha, the producer of the track and I spent a lot of time fine-tuning the arrangement to get it to this place and we may have come up with a few different versions of the song before arriving at this one. You've often been praised for your evocative lyricism. What comes first for you—melody or words? Or is it more intuitive? It's always a tough question. For me, they both come together at the same time. The melody informs the turns the lyrics take, and the other way around. Which non-musical art forms—literature, films, or even visual art—influence your songwriting the most? I would say visual art and films. Your writing has a sense of poetic melancholy. Do you journal often, or is songwriting your primary mode of expression? Songwriting is my primary form of journaling. If you were to string all my songs in chronological order it could in some way spell out the journey of my life through various trains of thought. Your music blends classic pop nostalgia with modern sonic textures. How do you navigate those eras in your songwriting? It comes pretty naturally since I listen to various kinds of music without discriminating or putting them in boxes. You've collaborated with icons like A.R. Rahman and represented India on global stages. How have those experiences shaped your creative voice? It's always nice watching other artists at work and observing how they approach certain things. I believe it's the most enriching to experience all types of musical pursuits, as you never know what it might lead to. You've said before that being vulnerable in your music is a strength. How do you stay rootedand authentic in an industry that's constantly evolving? I only write or release what I feel strongly about and for a song to make it to the production stage, it has to be something that resonates with me on multiple levels. From Spotify's RADAR artist to performing for Apple CEO Tim Cook, how do you manage the balance between artistic expression and commercial visibility? I believe that if you do something with consistency and honesty, people will eventually take notice, so I don't necessarily think artistic expression and commercial visibility are mutually exclusive. Do you think Indian indie music today allows more space for introspective, genre-bending artists like yourself? I think so. It's happening more and more every day and it's good to see a market of listeners that are willing to be more experimental in the musical discovery aspect as well. You've been a strong voice in India's independent music space. What changes would you like to see in how the industry supports indie artists? I think the biggest issue plaguing indie artists is the lack of independent venues for bands to perform. Most of our venues are essentially bars, nightclubs and restaurants that favour artists who serve more lively performances and fuel more alcohol sales. We need non-nightlife venues that can foster the growth of younger musicians and bands and also open their doors to audiences who don't necessarily want to make a night out of attending a gig. What kind of stories are you most drawn to telling next—more personal, more experimental, or perhaps both? Both. But let's see. You've spoken about being inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell. Are there any contemporary songwriters today you feel a kinship with musically? Madison Cunningham is an excellent songwriter, composer, and guitar player. When you look back at your earlier music like 'Caution to the Wind," how do you feel your sound has matured since then? I always like changing things up and trying new approaches with my music, so my sound is constantly evolving between releases. What was it like performing at Wembley Arena and Le Zénith? How did those stages impact your presence as a performer? They gave me something to aspire to. Have your Tamil roots ever found their way into your songwriting or sonic palettes, consciously or subconsciously? Yes, I have a song called Anniku Raathiri, which was composed by myself and written by Madhan Karky. I grew up on a lot of Tamil music by AR Rahman and Ilayaraja and wanted to pay homage to the music culture I was raised in by attempting to introduce something that hasn't been done before – Tamil synthpop. As a woman navigating both the music industry and the digital age, what are some lessons you've learned that younger artists might benefit from? To stay consistent and find a way to have a balanced relationship with social media, streaming numbers, fan relationships and the self. I'm dabbling with the idea of working on a new album. I'm currently in the process of writing some new songs and planning the next steps. First Published: May 30, 2025, 19:41 IST
Russia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Canadian gold miner seeks mediation in African dispute
Canadian company Barrick Mining has appealed to the World Bank's arbitration tribunal to settle a legal dispute with Mali. The miner currently risks losing control of its gold operations in the West African country, Reuters reported on Friday. The request to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) comes ahead of a Malian court ruling scheduled for June 2 on the government's application to place the mine under provisional administration. Barrick's Loulo-Gounkoto complex, which produced nearly 700,000 ounces of gold in 2023, has been closed since January after Mali seized three tons of gold from the mine over alleged unpaid taxes – a claim Barrick denies. According to a filing on the ICSID's website, the mining giant is seeking 'provisional measures' to prevent further actions by the Sahel state's military leadership that could exacerbate the dispute. The former French colony is one of Africa's top gold producers, with large-scale operations such as the Loulo-Gounkoto mines, which are 80% owned by Barrick and 20% by the Malian government. Since taking power in a coup in 2020, the new leadership in Bamako has sought more revenue from the sector to boost state income amid rising gold prices. In 2023, a new mining code was introduced allowing the military government to claim a stake of up to 30% in any new projects. Barrick, one of the world's largest gold producers, has been operating in Mali for nearly three decades and insists it has complied with Malian law and its binding mining conventions. Tensions escalated in late 2024 when four Barrick executives were detained and a warrant was issued for CEO Mark Bristow, all on charges of money laundering and financing of terrorism – allegations the company says are untrue. Negotiations between the two sides recently collapsed after Mali demanded a lump-sum payment of 125 billion CFA francs ($197 million) in unpaid revenues, while Barrick proposed a structured payment plan. Earlier this week, the mining firm issued a statement claiming that the Malian government's attempt to 'interfere with Loulo-Gounkoto's operations is without precedent or lawful justification.' '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,' the company said. Barrick is not the only Western company under pressure in the Sahel region. In neighboring Niger, French nuclear fuel firm Orano lost its license to the Imouraren uranium mine in 2024. The military government also seized its subsidiary Somair later that year. Orano has taken legal action against Niger's government, citing illegal detention and property confiscation.
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Police investigate vessel with 11 decomposed bodies washed ashore in Caribbean
Police have launched an investigation into a vessel that washed ashore on an Eastern Caribbean island that contained human remains of at least 11 people in an advanced state of decomposition. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said it received a report at about 10:45 a.m. Monday that a suspicious vessel had been discovered along the coastline of the island of Canouan near Little Bay and Cherry Hill. Officers from the Canouan police station responded and discovered the remains of 11 people on the boat. Police said the boat measured 45 feet long, 12 feet wide and 6 feet deep, and it was found grounded in the area. The remains of the people onboard were in what police called an "advanced state of decomposition," and some of the remains were not fully intact. Investigators recovered several passports from the boat, which appear to be from the West African country of the Republic of Mali. While passports have been recovered, police have not officially identified any of the bodies, and the investigation remains ongoing. The RSVGPF said it is working closely with regional and international partners to confirm the origins of the boat and the identities of those onboard. The human remains have since been transported to the island of St. Vincent, where they are being held at the Kingstown mortuary for further forensic and investigative procedures. "This incident is deeply concerning, and we understand the public's interest in the matter," police said. "We assure you that the RSVGPF is treating this investigation with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity." The department added that it is committed to pursuing every lead and ensuring all appropriate protocols are followed. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory for the country of Mali in July 2023. The State Department's reasoning for not traveling to the country is due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping. "Violent crime, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in Mali. Violent crime is a particular concern during local holidays and seasonal events in Bamako, its suburbs, and Mali's southern regions," the advisory states. "Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting kidnappings and attacks in Mali," the advisory on Mali adds. "They may attack with little or no warning, targeting nightclubs, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, international diplomatic missions, and other locations frequented by foreigners. Attacks may target Malian government offices and infrastructure, in addition to locations frequented by Westerners."
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
U.S. Africa commander highlights terror growth in Sahel and competition with China for influence
A top United States military general warned Thursday that terror groups in Africa are ramping up their ability to conduct attacks in the U.S. Gen. Michael Langley, the four-star Marine General who leads U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), said the Sahel region of the continent is now the "flashpoint of prolonged conflict and growing instability. It is the epicenter of terrorism on the globe." Several terror groups have expanded drastically in the last three years. Al-Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, is three times the size it was in 2022, he said, and has spread across Mali, Burkina Faso, and parts of Niger, which the U.S. military pulled out of last year. Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, a faction affiliated with Al-Qaeda, is now four times the size it was in 2022, expanding mainly in Burkina Faso. "We're keeping a good eye on this because they could have the capacity to attack the homeland," Langley said in a call with reporters. "Throughout my travels across West Africa and through dialog here at the conference, the concerns shared by my peers match my own," he added. "One of the terrorist's key goals now is access to the west coast of Africa. If they gain access to the vast coastline, they can diversify their revenue streams and evolve their tactics, more easily exporting terrorism to American shores." He noted that the terror groups engage in illicit activity like smuggling, human trafficking and arms trading, which fund their nefarious actions and destabilize the region. U.S. forces over the weekend conducted an airstrike against the al Qaeda-linked al-Shabab in Somalia. The East African country has been wracked for decades by attacks and insurgency from Islamist terrorists, both from ISIS and al-Shabab. The U.S. is in a race with China and Russia to gain influence and trust with the local governments of several African nations to help protect citizens from terror groups. Langley said there is an increasing concern about the number of African soldiers going to Beijing for military training and replicating a U.S. International Military Education and Training (IMET) program. "They're trying to replicate what we do best in our IMET program," said Langley. "And then they also said they're going to increase security and training in a number of countries. So, they're trying to replicate what we do."
