Core Viewpoint - Barrick Gold's Loulo-Gounkoto mine in Mali has resumed production after a nine-month halt due to a government takeover, following an agreement to restart payments to contractors [1] Group 1: Production Resumption - The Loulo-Gounkoto mine resumed production last week after government management took over in June [1] - The resumption of production is attributed to an agreement reached between Barrick and the Malian government to restart payments to contractors, which had been suspended since January [1] Group 2: Financial Impact - The Loulo-Gounkoto mine is one of Barrick's most significant assets, projected to contribute 723,000 ounces of gold production in 2024 [1] - Barrick was unable to capitalize on the historical rise in gold prices this year due to the government takeover [1] Group 3: Disputes with Government - The disputes between Barrick and the Malian government date back to 2023, primarily involving tax payment disputes and new mining laws [1] - Other companies in the industry, such as Randgold and B2Gold, have resolved similar disputes through negotiations with the government, while Barrick's issues have only recently made progress [1] Group 4: Market Reaction - On Tuesday, Barrick's stock fell by 9.3%, reflecting a broader decline in the precious metals sector, as gold futures experienced the largest single-day dollar drop in history [1]