Dec 16 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold ( GOLD ) will suspend

operations in Mali if gold shipments continue to be blocked, the

company said on Monday as it struggles to reach agreement with

authorities on a new mining code in the West African country.

Conditions at the gold miner's Loulo-Gounkoto complex have

"deteriorated significantly", Barrick said, adding that

employees have been imprisoned without cause and shipments of

bullion have been blocked.

"If shipments remain suspended, Barrick will be compelled to

suspend operations, further impacting the viability of this

critical economic driver for Mali," the company said.