The dispute between Mali and Barrick is over the country's new mining code that came into effect in 2023. The mining code gives the state a bigger share of mining revenues and removes tax exemptions for mining companies. Mali had previously demanded about $500 million in unpaid taxes from Barrick, sources told Reuters. Mali has also issued an arrest warrant against Mark Bristow, CEO of Barrick Gold. Barrick denies any wrongdoing. Jefferies analysts have estimated that suspending production at the mine could cut Barrick's earnings before interest, taxes and amortization by 11% in 2025. (By Divya Rajagopal and Portia Crowe; Editing by Sandra Maler)