YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Authorities in Mali have detained the chief executive officer and two other staff members of Australia’s Resolute Mining during their trip to the country for discussions regarding an undisclosed conflict. The company’s representatives were held in Bamako, the capital, last Friday, as confirmed by Resolute Mining on Monday.

Terence Holohan, who serves as the CEO, was among those arrested. According to Andrew Wray, the non-executive chairman of Resolute Mining, the trio’s detention came as a surprise following talks about “claims made against” the company. However, no specific details regarding the nature of the claims or the reasons for their continued detention, three days later, have been disclosed.

Resolute Mining has been a significant player at Mali’s Syama gold mine, which is a major operation located in the southwestern region of the country. The company holds an 80% interest in the mine, while the Malian government possesses the remaining 20%.

This incident adds to the ongoing tensions in Mali’s mining sector, which is heavily influenced by foreign entities and has recently come under the watchful eye of the military regime. In a related development last month, personnel from Canadian firm Barrick Gold were also held for several days.

Resolute Mining has characterized the claims against it as “unsubstantiated,” asserting that it has adhered to all procedural requirements within Mali. The company is reportedly receiving assistance from various foreign embassies in the nation, including that of the United Kingdom.

Mali, recognized as one of Africa’s leading gold producers, has seen its mining industry historically dominated by foreign corporations. However, the country has been facing challenges such as terrorism, poverty, and food insecurity. In the wake of the military takeover in 2020, there has been increasing scrutiny and pressure on these foreign companies as the authorities seek to enhance revenue from the mining sector.