The company has paid $80m (A$122.97m) to the government from cash reserves, with another $80m over the coming months.

The Australian miner agreed to settle a tax dispute as it seeks to secure the release of its chief executive and two other employees detained in the West African country.

A London-listed gold mining company has agreed to pay Mali’s military government $160m (£126m) after its British boss was detained by authorities. Resolute Mining has signed a deal to settle all claims linked to taxes and the operation of its Malian mine following a dispute with authorities in the West African country.