Barrick Gold Corp. - GOLD STOCK NEWS

Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) has announced that its gold shipping restrictions at the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex in Mali continue to be in effect. The situation has escalated as the Malian government has executed an interim attachment order, transferring existing gold stock from the site to a custodial bank, further preventing gold shipment and sales.

In response to these developments, Barrick has been forced to temporarily suspend operations at the complex. The company states it remains committed to engaging constructively with the Malian government and stakeholders to find an amicable solution that would ensure the long-term sustainability of the mining complex and its contributions to Mali's economy and communities.

Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) has received notice of an unsolicited mini-tender offer from TRC Capital Investment to purchase up to 5,000,000 of Barrick's common shares at C$21.35 per share, which is approximately 0.29% of Barrick's outstanding shares.

Barrick does not endorse this unsolicited offer and recommends shareholders do not tender their shares to TRC Capital's offer, as it is below market price. The offer price represents a discount of approximately 4.52% and 4.38% to the closing prices on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange, respectively, on January 7, 2025.

TRC Capital has made similar unsolicited mini-tender offers for other companies. Mini-tender offers avoid investor protections required by Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) advise caution with such offers. The SEC has issued tips for investors regarding mini-tender offers, which can be found on their website. The CSA's guidance on mini-tenders is available on the Ontario Securities Commission website.

Barrick shareholders are urged to obtain current market quotations, consult with their broker or financial advisor, and exercise caution. Shareholders who have already tendered their shares can withdraw them before 11:59 p.m. (Toronto time) on February 6, 2025, by following the procedures in TRC Capital's offer documents.

Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) faces significant operational challenges at its Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex in Mali. The company remains restricted from shipping gold, and a new interim attachment order prevents export of existing gold stock on site. CEO Mark Bristow warns that if the situation isn't resolved within a week, they may need to temporarily suspend operations, affecting 8,000 employees and local service providers.

The company has initiated arbitration through the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) while pursuing negotiations with Mali's government for a memorandum of agreement. The situation is further complicated by the detention of several Malian employees on charges Barrick considers unfounded. Despite these challenges, Barrick emphasizes its commitment to Mali, where it has operated for nearly three decades, and seeks a resolution that would increase the State's share of benefits from the mining complex.

Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) has initiated arbitration proceedings through its Mali operating entities at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The arbitration concerns disagreements regarding the Loulo-Gounkoto complex operations in Mali.

The company is pursuing resolution through arbitration mechanisms provided under the Somilo and Gounkoto Mining Conventions with Mali. CEO Mark Bristow emphasized Barrick's 30-year commitment to Mali and expressed openness to dialogue with the government for amicable resolution while the arbitration process continues.

Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) reports unsuccessful negotiations with Mali's government regarding disputes over the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, despite previous framework agreements. The situation has deteriorated with employee imprisonments and blocked gold shipments, potentially leading to operational suspension.

Over 29 years, Barrick has invested $10 billion in Mali, contributing 5-10% to the country's GDP annually. In 2023, Barrick contributed over $1 billion to Mali's economy. The complex employs 8,000 workers, with 97% being Malian nationals. The government, holding 20% ownership, has received over 70% of economic benefits.

Since November 25, several senior Malian management members have been imprisoned on unfounded charges, with reported illegitimate arrest warrants against Barrick's CEO. The company remains open to constructive engagement while protecting operational viability.

Quaise Energy and Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) are partnering to explore the decarbonization of NGM's TS Power Plant using deep geothermal energy. The project aims to hybridize on-site power generation, following NGM's recent completion of a 200-megawatt solar power plant. This marks the first commercial pilot for retrofitting a fossil fuel power plant with geothermal heat, supporting NGM's target of 30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. The partnership demonstrates deep geothermal's potential to compete with fossil fuels by producing up to 10x more power per well than traditional geothermal methods.

Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) announced that the Ontario Superior Court has dismissed claims by Tanzanian residents alleging human rights abuses near the North Mara gold mine. The Court ruled that Ontario was not the appropriate forum for these claims. CEO Mark Bristow stated that the company has consistently denied allegations of historical human rights abuses made by activist NGOs. He highlighted the positive impact of their Twiga partnership with Tanzania's government, emphasizing the mine's contribution to the country's economy and community development.

Barrick Gold has confirmed the arrest and detention of four employees from its Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex in Mali. While the company disputes the charges, it continues to seek an amicable resolution with the Malian government. Since September 30, Barrick has been working to finalize a Memorandum of Agreement regarding their partnership, including the state's share of economic benefits and legal framework. President Mark Bristow stated that despite unsuccessful attempts so far, the company remains committed to resolving claims against the company and its employees, and securing the release of the detained staff.

Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) reported significant progress in building its future business, highlighting its Tier One focused asset portfolio and value-creation strategy. Since its merger, the company has generated $23 billion in operating cash flow, invested $15 billion in operations and growth projects, reduced net debt by nearly $4 billion, and returned over $5 billion to shareholders.

The company is advancing mine extension projects in Nevada, including Leeville, Goldrush, Hanson, Robertson, Swift, and Turquoise Ridge. The newly permitted Goldrush mine is increasing production, while the adjacent Fourmile project shows potential for annual operating cash flows 70% higher than Goldrush.