Three executives of the Australian gold mining company “Resolute Mining” were arrested on 8
November, under unclear charges. Resolute Mining holds an 80 per cent stake in the Syama gold
mine, the remaining stake being held by the government. The arrests follow a similar episode in
September, when four employees of a Canadian mining company were also detained for days. Mali’s
gold mines have long been a key Russian strategic interest. Whilst Russia has slowly increased its
involvement in Mali, the junta has expressed caution regarding Russian involvement, partly due to
concerns over the Wagner Group’s activities in critical economic sectors.