Resolute Mining CEO and employees detained in Mali amid ongoing local tensions

Resolute Mining (ASX: RSG) has confirmed media reports that the company’s chief executive officer Terence Holohan has been detained along with two other employees by government officials in Mali.

Resolute said the executives were taken after participating in discussions with officials from the mining and tax authorities in the capital, Bamako.

The company said it had followed all official processes with respect to its affairs and provided detailed responses to all the claims made.

Local warnings

The detention comes at a time when the Australian government’s Smart Traveller website continues to advise against travel to Mali.

“Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or enforcement of local laws for unintentionally breaking the law,” the site warns.

“There’s an ongoing and very high threat of terrorism throughout Mali, including the capital Bamako.”

“Attacks can occur in places visited by foreigners including airports, public transport and transportation hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets and hotels.”

Wellbeing the priority

Resolute said its priority remains the safety and wellbeing of its employees.

“The company is in regular communication with the three detained employees who remain held at the Economic and Financial Centre of Bamako,” the company said.

“They are being treated well and continue to receive support on the ground from the UK and international embassies and consulates.”

“The company is continuing to work with the government on a resolution and will provide further updates on the situation as appropriate.”

Long relationship

Resolute is a successful African-focused gold miner with more than 30 years of experience as an explorer, developer and operator of ten gold mines that have produced more than 9 million ounces of gold.

It operates the Syama mine, a large-scale operation in Mali comprising the established Syama underground mine and the Tabakoroni complex (which includes an open pit and a recently discovered underground ore reserve), along with several satellite oxide pits.

Mr Holohan joined Resolute in 2021 as chief operating officer – responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations and projects – before being appointed to his current position in May 2022.