Mali, one of Africa's largest gold producers, has seen its mineral wealth become a double-edged sword. The country has been plagued by political instability and a security crisis since at least 2012, with gold revenues often funding armed groups, including those linked to al-Qaeda and Tuareg separatists.
On April 25, 2026, an al-Qaeda-linked group and Tuareg separatists launched coordinated attacks in northern Mali, targeting military positions. The attacks underscore how control over gold mines and smuggling routes exacerbates the conflict.
Mali's gold production reached 72.2 tonnes in 2025, according to the Ministry of Mines, making it the third-largest gold producer in Africa after Ghana and South Africa. However, the government struggles to tax artisanal mining, which accounts for up to 20% of output, much of which is smuggled.
The junta, which seized power in 2020 and 2021, has sought to renegotiate mining contracts with foreign firms, demanding a greater share of revenues. Yet, the ongoing violence and political turmoil deter investment and perpetuate a cycle of instability.
