Mali's military government is seeking at least 300 billion CFA ($512 million) in outstanding taxes and dividends from Barrick Gold, three sources said, a move that is part of a push by the country to collect more revenue from mining companies.

The news of the four employees’ release comes a day after the Toronto-based gold miner reached a tentative agreement in a mining dispute with the Mali government

Mali government reportedly seeks over $500M from Barrick Gold in taxes and fines, part of a push for more revenue from mining companies amid disputes and new regulations.

Authorities in Mali last month briefly detained four Malian staff working for Barrick, and the Canadian company said on Sept. 30 it had agreed with the government to solve existing claims and disputes

The demands on Barrick follow an audit of mining contracts last year and a subsequent push by Mali to renegotiate agreements with mining firms, including Bing2GOLD, Resolute Minin