Authorities in Mali have arrested four senior employees of a Canadian mining company as the military regime in the West African nation continues to detain workers to pressure companies in its crucial mining sector to pay millions in additional taxes.

Four employees of Canada's Barrick Gold have been charged and detained pending trial in Mali, the company said on Tuesday, as the military-led government strives to raise more money from mining companies.

Mali has detained senior staff of a Canadian mining firm as it pressures foreign companies to pay additional taxes in its vital mining sector. The arrests highlight the ongoing tension as Mali's government seeks increased revenue,