Jan 13 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold ( GOLD ) will be obliged

to temporarily suspend mining operations at the Loulo and

Gounkoto mines in Mali after the government seized its gold

stocks there, the Canadian mining firm said on Monday in a

letter to the government seen by Reuters.

Barrick said it was waiting for confirmation that gold

removed from its site had arrived at the Banque Malienne de

Solidarite. The seizure of the gold meant it was no longer

covered by Barrick's insurance, the company said.