The Malian military government says that it's seeking at least $512 million of outstanding taxes and dividends from Barrick Gold, a move that is part of a push by the country to collect more revenue from mining companies.

Authorities in Mali last month briefly detained four Malian staff working for Barrick, the world's second-largest gold miner for alleged financial crimes.

The demands on Barrick follow an audit of mining contracts last year and a subsequent push by Mali to renegotiate existing agreements with mining firms.

Thami Ngubeni spoke to Dr Zoumara Diarra who is a Professor of Political and Legal Sciences at Mali's Bamako University...