Barrick Announces Sale of 50 Percent of Zaldívar Mine, Formation of New Partnership with Antofagasta Plc

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 30, 2015) -

All amounts expressed in US dollars

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:ABX)(TSX:ABX) ("Barrick" or the "company") today announced that it has reached an agreement to sell a 50 percent interest in the Zaldívar copper mine in Chile to Antofagasta Plc ("Antofagasta") for a total consideration of $1.005 billion in cash, forming a new partnership with one of the world's leading copper companies.

"The sale of 50 percent of Zaldívar is consistent with our strategy to create long-term value for our shareholders. By selling a stake in this non-core asset, we strengthen our balance sheet while maintaining significant exposure to a strong cash-generating operation," said Kelvin Dushnisky, Co-President of Barrick. "Following a highly competitive auction process, we are pleased to reach an agreement with the ideal partner for Zaldívar. Antofagasta has an outstanding track record of building and operating mines in Chile, and we see this as the first step in an ongoing, collaborative partnership. There are many potential opportunities to benefit from Antofagasta's experience as Barrick evaluates development projects in the future."

"We are enthusiastic about partnering with Barrick at Zaldívar. Together, we believe that we are well positioned to enhance the long-term value of the Zaldívar operation through our collective best practices," said Diego Hernandez, CEO of Antofagasta. "We have consistently been impressed with the workforce at Zaldívar, and look forward to partnering with them. We also look forward to exploring other opportunities to collaborate with Barrick in the future."

Details of the Zaldívar transaction

Antofagasta will pay Barrick $980 million in cash upon closing and $25 million in additional cash payments over the next five years for a 50 percent stake in the Zaldívar mine. The transaction is expected to be completed in late 2015 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

As joint venture partners, Barrick and Antofagasta will work together to maximize the value of the Zaldívar mine, leveraging the collective expertise and experience of both companies. Barrick has intimate knowledge of the Zaldívar operation and its potential. Antofagasta will help to realize that potential by leveraging its deep operating expertise in Chile, including potential synergies with its existing portfolio. Such synergies may include the ability to leverage Antofagasta's extensive in-country procurement programs, contractor relationships and administrative efficiencies.