Randgold reassures investors after Mali shuts its offices amid tax dispute
London-listed gold miner Randgold Resources sought to reassure investors after the Malian government closed its offices amid a long-running taxi dispute.
Randgold said today that the operations of its three mines there would not be affected by the government's actions. This includes its Loulo underground mines, Yalea and Gara, as well as the Gounkoto open pit mine.
"We have continued to engage with the Malian authorities at the highest level to resolve the remaining issues and we trust that the parties will return to the negotiating table in the spirit of constructive partnership that had previously characterised our dealings in order to find a mutually acceptable solution,” the company's chief executive, Mark Bristow, said.
The Malian government closed Randgold's offices last week citing 46.89bn CFA francs (£64m) in unpaid taxes.
"In the last three days, we have closed the offices of the company and seized their banks accounts … and if they don't comply within 10 days, we are going to take our action to the next level."
Randgold previously said it's been professionally advised that a large chunk of the tax claims are "without merit or foundation".