Barrick to keep operating Zambia copper mine, pending royalty change

Barrick Gold, the world's biggest gold producer by output, will continue operating its Lumwana copper mine, in Zambia, while awaiting changes to the country's mineral royalty tax, the company said on Friday. Barrick had said it would suspend operations after Zambia hiked mineral royalties for open pit mines to 20% from 6% in January. Major staff cuts to Lumwana's 4 000 workers were planned for March, Toronto-based Barrick had said.