The deposit contains an indicated resource of 4.8 million tonnes averaging 1.69 g/t gold for 258,700 oz. of gold.

Policy makers voted to lower the target range for the benchmark rate by a quarter-percentage point to 2%-2.25%.

Barrick had booked a $405m impairment charge on Lagunas Norte last year, which resulted in a $431m net loss in the September quarter.

Holdings in exchange-traded funds backed by bullion extended gains to the highest since April 2013.

AngloGold will release its results on August 8.

The Vancouver-based miner said results from 10 of the first 12 holes have returned intersections such as 15.35 g/t Au over 13.55 metres.

Kootenay Silver will retain the remaining 35% interest.