TORONTO, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold Corp ABX.TO could have nine of the world's top gold mines in a "relatively short" time under its $6.1 billion acquisition of African miner Randgold Resources Ltd RRS.L , Barrick Executive Chairman John Thornton said Thursday.
Barrick and Randgold will focus on Tier 1 assets which produce 500,000 ounces of gold annually, have a mine life of more than 10 years and are low cost. The combined company, subject to a Nov 5 shareholder vote, will have five of the world's top 10 Tier 1 assets, Thornton said on a quarterly conference call with analysts.