The deal could involve Glencore supplying as much as 6,000 tonnes of the metal a year for lithium-ion batteries.

In-principle deal with the government would give Kinross a 30-year exploitation licence for Tasiast Sud.

While international regulations have succeeded in limiting the export of conflict minerals, illegal gold trade continues to support warlords.

The producers have contracted labor consultant TEBA to transport 14,000 foreign workers back to the mines.