China National Gold Talks to Barrick About Potential Partnerships

``China National Gold Group Corp. is on the hunt for acquisitions and partnerships, the mining company's president said, possibly becoming a kingmaker in the beleaguered industry. Xin Song said he recently talked about potential partnerships with Barrick Gold Corp., the world's largest gold producer. He said that his company, China's largest gold-mining concern, is searching for opportunities in gold, silver and copper. He said the company's current preference is for assets in countries near China, such as Mongolia, Russia, and in central Asia. It also is looking for acquisitions in developed countries such as Canada, Australia, and the U.S. A third option is in developing countries, including in Africa and South America. "The political situation has to be stable," he said.''