Barnes (US:B) MINING.COMยท2025-10-06 13:34Core Viewpoint - Leadership changes at Barrick Mining and Newmont may lead to asset sales and potential takeover discussions, particularly focusing on Barrick's Fourmile project in Nevada [1][2][4] Company Developments - Barrick's CEO Mark Bristow resigned unexpectedly after over six years, coinciding with Newmont's CEO Tom Palmer announcing his retirement [2] - Bristow's departure follows Barrick's announcement of the Fourmile project's potential to produce up to 750,000 ounces of gold annually, significantly boosting Barrick's stock by approximately 20% in the days following the announcement [3][6] - Under Bristow's leadership, Barrick's share price has lagged behind peers, with a 2.6 times increase since January 2019, compared to a fourfold increase in the TSX Global Gold Index [5][6] Market Context - Gold prices reached a historic high of $3,895.09 per ounce, marking a 45% increase since the beginning of the year, driven by strong demand from central banks [7][8] - Goldman Sachs predicts gold could reach $4,000 per ounce by mid-2026 due to ongoing central bank purchases [8][9] Strategic Implications - Analysts suggest a potential shift in Barrick's strategy post-Bristow, with a focus on the Fourmile project and a possible reduction in exposure to geopolitically sensitive regions [4][10] - Barrick's asset portfolio spans 18 countries, with North America accounting for 46% of gold production, while Africa and the Middle East dominate copper output [11] Future Prospects - The Fourmile project is expected to enhance Barrick's growth outlook, with an average output projected between 600,000 and 750,000 ounces of gold annually over 25 years [18][19] - Analysts speculate that the increased value of Nevada Gold Mines may present an opportunity for Newmont to acquire Barrick, although regulatory approvals could pose challenges [20]