Barrick receives Zambian clearance for Equinox acquisition: all regulatory approvals now received

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:ABX)(TSX:ABX) (“Barrick” or “the Company”) announced today that it has received the unconditional approval of the Zambian Competition and Consumer Protection Commission for Barrick’s proposed acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares (the “Equinox Shares”) of Equinox Minerals Limited (TSX:EQN)(ASX:EQN) (“Equinox”). This approval has been obtained in connection with the previously-announced offer (the “Offer”) by Barrick’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Barrick Canada Inc. (the “Offeror”), to acquire, subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer, all of the Equinox Shares at a price of C$8.15 per Equinox Share.

The Offer is open for acceptance until 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on June 1, 2011 (the “Expiry Time”), unless the Offer is extended or withdrawn. All required regulatory approvals for the Offer have now been received. Equinox shareholders are encouraged to tender their Equinox Shares to the Offer as soon as possible.