Barrick Eyes Exit from Ivory Coast's Tongon Mine in $500 Million Deal with China's Zijin

Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) is one of the best cheap growth stocks to buy according to analysts. On July 23, 2025, reports emerged that China’s Zijin Mining is in advanced talks to acquire Barrick’s Tongon gold mine in Ivory Coast for up to $500 million.

The deal, still subject to regulatory approval, comes as Barrick continues to streamline its portfolio by shedding lower-margin, shorter-life assets. Tongon, which began production in 2010, has seen its reserves decline in recent years and is projected to cease operations by 2027 without major reinvestment. Selling the mine would free up capital for Barrick to pursue higher-return opportunities, particularly in copper and long-life gold projects.

The potential sale reflects Barrick’s broader strategy of focusing on assets with strong margins and long production horizons. Management has signaled increased emphasis on copper, which now accounts for roughly one-fifth of the company’s output, with a target of raising that share to 30 percent by 2029. Divesting from smaller, aging mines like Tongon aligns with this shift, enabling Barrick to redeploy resources toward growth-oriented ventures in regions such as Latin America, North America, and Central Asia.

Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) is a global leader in gold and copper production, with operations spanning North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Founded in 1983, the company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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