DAKAR, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold Corp 's ABX.TO acquisition of Randgold's RRS.L stake in the Kibali gold mine requires approval by the Democratic Republic of Congo's government, Mines Minister Martin Kabwelulu said on Friday.
Kabwelulu's statement, which cited a provision of Congo's new mining code, backs the position taken earlier in the day by state miner Sokimo, which vowed to "assert its rights" regarding Barrick's takeover, without elaborating.
Randgold and AngloGold Ashanti ANGJ.J each own 45 percent stakes in Kibali while Sokimo owns the remaining 10 percent.