Barrick Gold Corporation Sees $322 Million Trading Surge Amid Mali Mine Dispute and Global Copper Market Challenges

On May 30, 2025, Barrick Gold Corporation (B) experienced a notable increase in trading volume, with a turnover of $322 million, marking an 86.83% surge from the previous day. This surge was driven by several key developments that have significant implications for the company's stock performance.

Barrick Gold Corporation (B) is seeking intervention from the World Bank amid an ongoing dispute at its Mali mine. The company has requested the World Bank to step in and mediate the legal proceedings, which have been causing significant disruptions to its operations in the region. This move is part of Barrick's broader strategy to ensure the stability and continuity of its mining activities in Mali, which are crucial for its overall production and financial performance.

Additionally, Barrick is facing challenges related to the geopolitical tensions in the Sahel region, where its operations are located. The Alliance of Sahel States, a confederation formed between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has been dealing with security issues that could impact Barrick's operations. The company is closely monitoring the situation and is taking steps to mitigate any potential risks to its assets and personnel in the region.

Furthermore, Barrick is also navigating the complexities of the global copper market, where Chinese copper smelters are under pressure to slow down their rapid expansion due to oversupply concerns. This situation could affect Barrick's copper production and sales, as China is a significant market for the company's copper output. Barrick is exploring ways to diversify its customer base and reduce its reliance on the Chinese market to mitigate this risk.

In addition to these challenges, Barrick is also focusing on expanding its Lumwana copper mine in Zambia. The expansion project aims to increase the mine's total copper production by more than 50%, which could significantly boost the company's revenue and profitability. However, the project is still in the early stages, and its success will depend on various factors, including regulatory approvals and market conditions.