How to make cash in Africa’s coup belt 

THE BOSS of Barrick Gold, a Canadian mega-miner and the world’s second-largest gold producer, is no stranger to bust-ups with African governments. Earlier this month, in Cape Town, Mark Bristow recalled past wrangles with leaders in Tanzania and Congo like a retiring boxer reminiscing over old bouts. He shrugged off an arrest warrant, issued by the government of Mali in December and accusing him of money-laundering and violating financial regulations (allegations he denies), as the cost of doing business in exceptionally tough places. “Mining is a long-term game,” says Mr Bristow. “The best way to resolve misunderstandings or disagreements is through dialogue.”