Gold price weakness takes $1.5bn out of largest ETF

As part of the deal, Canada's Royal Road Minerals will pay AngloGold around $4.6 million in cash, with further payments amounting to $35 million in total if certain milestones are reached.

Barrick and Newmont have far more to gain from cooperating than bickering with each other.

The company has started the permitting process for two high-grade satellite feeder pits that could increase production at its La India gold project in Nicaragua by 50% to 120,000 ounces a year.

Chief executive Mark Bristow will discuss a potential JV with rival Newmont only if his company runs the operation.

The country's gold production hit an all-time high of 317 tonnes in 2018, breaking the previous record of 314.5 tonnes, which stood for 21 years.

The US mining giant also fired back with a deal that seeks merging operations in the state of Nevada.

The Buena Vista Hills cobalt - iron oxide - copper-gold project is located in Pershing County.

Ontario and Saskatchewan say the plan falls short in growing Canada’s reputation as a world leader.

Global financing earmarked specifically for exploration more than halved last year and now represents less than a quarter of the 2012 peak.