Mali Detains CEO of Australian Gold Mining Firm Resolute

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The CEO and two employees of Australian company Resolute Mining, which owns a gold mine in Mali, were detained while in Bamako to discuss disputes with the authorities, the firm said on Sunday.

It is the second time in just over a month that employees of a foreign mining firm have been detained in Mali, as the ruling military junta seeks greater control over the lucrative sector.

CEO Terence Holohan and two of his colleagues “were in Bamako to hold discussions with the mining and tax authorities regarding general activities related to the company’s business practices in Mali”, the firm said in a statement on Sunday.

The talks also involved “progressing open claims which have been made against Resolute and which the Company maintains are unsubstantiated,” the statement added.

“Following the conclusion of these meetings on Friday, the three employees were unexpectedly detained.”

The Resolute executives were arrested at a hotel in the Malian capital and taken to a specialised unit set up by the junta to tackle corruption, and economic or financial crimes, a judiciary source told AFP on Saturday.

They are being questioned over suspicions of false evidence and misappropriation of public goods, said a Resolute executive on condition of anonymity.

The company has provided the authorities with “detailed responses” to the accusations, according to the statement.

“While Resolute is working toward a settlement with the Government of Mali to help secure the long-term future of the Syama Gold Mine, the upmost priority remains the safety and wellbeing of its employees,” it added.

The staff members are receiving support from the embassies and consulates of Britain and other countries operating in Mali, the firm said.

 Courtesy: www.bilyonaryo.com