TORONTO, July 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:ABX) (TSX:ABX) (“Barrick” or the
“Company”) today announced that it has entered into an enhanced strategic cooperation agreement with Shandong Gold Group Co., Ltd.
(“Shandong Gold”1), deepening Barrick’s partnership with one of China’s leading mining companies.
The document builds on an earlier agreement signed between the two companies in April 2017, when Shandong Gold
Mining Co., Ltd., acquired 50 percent of Barrick’s Veladero mine in Argentina.
“Over the past year, we have been laying the foundation for a distinctive, enduring, and trust-based
relationship with Shandong Gold,” said Barrick Executive Chairman John L. Thornton. “Over thousands of hours and many site visits,
we have worked side by side to deepen our understanding of each other’s values, strategic priorities, and operating capabilities.
This agreement will allow us to take our partnership to the next level, as we jointly explore opportunities to enhance long-term
value for our respective owners, as well as our government and community partners.”
“Based on an identical culture and development concept, the joint operation of the Veladero mine in Argentina
has obtained good effect,” said Chen Yumin, Chairman of Shandong Gold. “Shandong Gold and Barrick have maintained reciprocal visits
of high frequency in respect of mining technology, corporate culture, community harmony, sustainable development and environmental
protection, which has promoted cultural integration and management improvement. This signing of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement
represents a new level of our partnership.”
Key elements of the enhanced strategic cooperation agreement include:
Lama Evaluation
Shandong Gold is currently completing an independent evaluation focused on the potential to develop a mining project at Lama in
Argentina, including a high-level evaluation of potential synergies between Lama and the nearby Veladero operation. Following the
completion of this study, the Parties may agree to conduct additional studies and technical work to evaluate a number of
development options, including: the construction of an open-pit mine at Lama; the feasibility of using heap leach processing for
low-grade and easy-to-leach gold ore; and the feasibility of adopting low-cyanide or other environmentally-friendly leaching
reagents. Any decision by Shandong Gold to invest in the project would be subject to additional agreement between the Parties.
Strengthening Collaboration Between Barrick and Shandong Gold
Teams
Reflecting a mutual commitment to operational excellence, safety, efficiency, and best-in-class mining practices, the Parties have
agreed to choose one of Shandong Gold’s mines as a platform for learning and collaboration. The Parties will share technical
expertise and best practices related to mining technology, information technology, information management, and digital
innovation.
Barrick and Shandong Gold have also agreed to establish additional mechanisms to foster greater communication
and knowledge-sharing between their respective management and technical teams. Such engagement may cover mining, engineering,
construction, social and environmental management, and finance. The Parties also agree to provide access to their respective
supplier networks, service providers, investors, and capital providers.
Strengthening Cooperation on Investment Opportunities
Building on the Parties’ stated intent to evaluate joint investment in organic mining projects currently owned by Barrick or
Shandong Gold, the Parties have agreed to consider opportunities to work together on acquisition opportunities or potential asset
sales, if both parties agree it is in their collective best interests, and would enhance the value of such an opportunity.
INVESTOR CONTACT
Deni Nicoski
Senior Vice President
Investor Relations
Telephone: +1 416 307-7474
Email: dnicoski@barrick.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Andy Lloyd
Senior Vice President
Communications
Telephone: +1 416 307-7414
Email: alloyd@barrick.com
ENDNOTE 1
Unless otherwise stated, the definition of Shandong does not include Shandong Gold Mining Co,. Ltd and its
subsidiaries and joint operations.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, or plans, or future
financial or operating performance, constitutes “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical
fact, are forward-looking statements. The words “potential”, “opportunity”, “will”, “would” “expect”, “explore”, “may” and similar
expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including,
without limitation, with respect to (i) the potential to develop a mining project at Lama in Argentina, (ii) completion and outcome
of current and future studies at Lama, and (iii) the existence of future opportunities for Barrick and Shandong Gold to work
cooperatively on investment opportunities.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while
considered reasonable by Barrick in light of management’s experience and perception of current conditions and expected
developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and
unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue
reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the
spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as silver, diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity);
the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and
exploration successes; diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; increased costs, delays, suspensions and technical challenges
associated with the development and construction of capital projects; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining
or development activities, including geotechnical challenges and disruptions in the maintenance or provision of required
infrastructure and information technology systems; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations;
timing of, receipt of, or failure to comply with necessary permits and approvals; the impact of global liquidity and credit
availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; adverse
changes in our credit ratings; the impact of inflation; fluctuations in the currency markets; changes in U.S. dollar interest
rates; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls,
or regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property
and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Argentina, and other jurisdictions in which Barrick does or
may carry on business in the future; risks related to international operations, including economic and political instability in
foreign jurisdictions in which Barrick operates; damage to Barrick’s reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any
number of events, including negative publicity with respect to the handling of environmental matters or dealings with community
groups, whether true or not; the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with Barrick’s expectations;
risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage, and civil disturbances; litigation; contests over title to properties,
particularly title to undeveloped properties, or over access to water, power, and other required infrastructure; risks associated
with the fact that certain of the initiatives described in this press release are still in the early stages and may not
materialize; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; and employee relations including loss of key
employees; increased costs and physical risks, including extreme weather events and resource shortages, related to climate change;
and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated
with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or
unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding, and gold bullion, copper cathode, or gold or copper concentrate losses (and
the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are
cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in
this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual
Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of
some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements, and the risks that may affect Barrick’s ability to achieve the
expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
