The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Mali's military leader has appointed a former Barrick executive to fill a ministerial-level post to oversee the mining sector in the West African country. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe says legal documents governing the role show the minister will have powers to supervise mining policy implementation, monitor compliance with the mining code and review reports submitted by title holders -- responsibilities previously handled by the Mines Ministry. According to a Jan. 19 presidential decree, Hilaire Bebian Diarra, an Earth-science specialist who switched from Barrick to the government last year while leading negotiations for the company over control of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, has been appointed to the role. The Malian national was named special adviser to the presidency during the bitter dispute over Mali's top industrial gold mine, as President Assimi Goïta's government pushed for higher taxes and greater state participation in mining projects. The move was widely seen as a strategic blow to the Canadian miner. Mali is one of Africa's biggest gold producers. Mr. Diarra's elevation comes as Mali tightens its grip on the mining sector.