The move comes as Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi increases scrutiny of Chinese mining activities.

Zambia's newly-appointed mines minister said on Tuesday that the government will ensure stability and predictability in the mining sector.

CEO Mark Bristow said the company will strike a deal should an appealing one present itself, which he described as a mine that can produce 500,000 ounces of gold annually "for a long time".

Guinea coup leader Mamady Doumbouya has agreed to meet with mining companies.

About a third of Chad’s public external debt is owed to Glencore and other commercial lenders under an oil-for-cash program.

The company was exploring the possibility of expanding production to as much as 30 million tonnes a year.