March 20 (Reuters) - Canadian Miner Barrick Gold

said on Wednesday it was ready to explore new gold and

copper deposits in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in

partnership with the government.

The world's No. 2 gold miner wants to explore the region

after it had success with its Kibali gold mine in the northeast

DRC. The mine produced 343,000 ounces of gold in 2023, which was

nearly 8.5% of the company's output for the year.

Barrick had also said last year it was keen to look for more

copper deposits in Zambia and DRC as it looks to expand its

presence on the African copperbelt.

Zambia, where the company has its Lumwana mine, is Africa's

second-largest copper producer, behind its northern neighbour

Congo.