Mining in the area of the Andes mountains right above the continuous tree line had been prohibited since 2011, but concessions granted before such ban had continued to date.
The world’s most populous country has been the primary engine of economic growth for decades, but recently investor optimism around China has diminished significantly.
Once deal is completed, Randgold would fund all costs, including the completion of a pre-feasibility study on over the former's Kossanto West Gold Project in Western Mali.