A Perth-headquartered goldminer has agreed to give $A247m – more than its entire cash reserves – to the government of Mali after its chief executive and two other employees were detained by authorities in the West African country.
Resolute Mining CEO Terence Holohan and the other two employees were unexpectedly detained on 8 November in Mali’s capital of Bamako, at the conclusion of a meeting with government mining and tax officials.
The meeting was to progress what Resolute described as unsubstantiated open claims against the company regarding taxes, custom levies, maintenance and management of offshore accounts.
To resolve the matter, Resolute said on Monday it had paid Mali $US80m ($123m) out of its $US157m in cash reserves, and promised to pay another $US80m more in coming months.
As of 31 October, Resolute had total cash and bullion of $US196m, with a net cash balance of $US157m.
Resolute said it was working with the government on the remaining procedural steps to secure the release of Holohan and the other employees, all British citizens.
Resolute said last week they had been treated well and were receiving support from the UK and international embassies and consulates.
Resolute holds an 80% stake in a subsidiary that owns the Syama Gold Mine in south-west Mali, with the government owning the other 20% stake.
Mali has been ruled by a military junta since a 2020 coup, its third in 10 years.
Resolute shares on Monday were down 5.6% to 38.25c, having lost 43% of their value since the CEO’s detention.