Loulo-Gounkoto Gold Complex
Barrick Gold's flagship African gold complex, consistently producing over 500,000 ounces annually in western Mali.
Loulo-Gounkoto is a large gold mining complex in western Mali near the Senegalese border, operated by Barrick Gold (80%) in partnership with the Government of Mali (20%). The complex comprises two adjacent operations: the Loulo underground mine (with Yalea and Gara deposits) and the Gounkoto open-pit and underground mine. Combined, the complex produced approximately 560,000 ounces of gold in 2023, making it one of the top-producing gold complexes in Africa. The operation has been a consistent tier-one producer since Loulo commenced production in 2005.
- 01Sustain combined gold production above 500,000 ounces per year
- 02Extend mine life at both Loulo and Gounkoto through underground development
- 03Convert the Gounkoto open pit to underground mining for deeper ore access
- 04Maintain industry-leading safety and environmental performance
- 05Contribute to Mali's economic development through taxes, royalties, and employment
- 06Invest in near-mine exploration to expand the mineral resource base
2005 · completed
Loulo Production Start
The Loulo gold mine commenced commercial production under Randgold Resources.
2011 · completed
Gounkoto Production
The adjacent Gounkoto open-pit mine commenced production, forming the combined complex.
2018 · completed
Barrick-Randgold Merger
Barrick Gold merged with Randgold Resources, bringing Loulo-Gounkoto into the Barrick portfolio.
2021 · completed
Gounkoto Underground Study
Feasibility studies advanced for transitioning Gounkoto from open pit to underground mining.
2023 · completed
Strong Production
The complex produced approximately 560,000 ounces at competitive all-in sustaining costs.
2025 · in progress
Underground Development
Gounkoto underground development progresses to extend the complex's mine life.
Mineral Resource
Gold Mineral Reserves
Combined proven and probable reserves of approximately 6.6 million ounces of gold across the complex.
Processing Plant
Loulo Processing Plant
A CIL processing plant treating approximately 4 Mtpa of underground ore from the Yalea and Gara deposits.
Processing Plant
Gounkoto Processing Plant
Dedicated CIL plant processing ore from the Gounkoto open pit and developing underground mine.
Mining Infrastructure
Underground Mine Network
Yalea and Gara underground mines at Loulo, with Gounkoto underground in development.
- Sublevel longhole open stoping underground mining
- Conventional open-pit mining at Gounkoto
- Carbon-in-leach (CIL) gold processing at two plants
- Gravity gold recovery circuits
- Paste backfill for underground stope support
- Solar power supplementation for energy cost reduction
What it means for the community
Loulo-Gounkoto employs over 5,000 people directly and is the largest private sector employer in the Kayes Region. The complex has contributed billions of dollars to Mali's economy through taxes, royalties, and dividends since 2005. Community investment programs have delivered schools, health centres, clean water systems, and agricultural development to surrounding villages, benefiting over 100,000 people.
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- Barrick Gold (80%)
- Government of Mali (20%)
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