The joint effort, unveiled in November, restores a mutual agreement signed in 1974, which gives the nations shared rights to exploit the Red Sea’s $8 billion worth of minerals.
The country's Mining Agency said it would likely let Xstrata go ahead with mine expansion plans, but added Barrick's Pueblo Viejo contract should be reviewed.
Entering Anglo American CEO, Mark Cutifani, recently turned to the Vatican for advice on community relations. Will the Pope Benedict XVI's exit affect Anglo's decisions?