Benzinga·2025-11-17 11:48Core Viewpoint - Barrick Mining Corporation is reportedly considering a potential breakup into two separate companies, one focused on North America and the other on operations in Africa and Asia [1][3]. Group 1: Company Structure and Strategy - The split is in exploratory stages, with discussions including the possibility of selling African mines and divesting the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan once financing is secured [3]. - The North America-focused entity would include the Fourmile gold discovery in Nevada, which is expected to begin test production in 2029 [4]. - A potential split could help re-price Barrick's North American assets and protect the company from takeover bids while new leadership determines the best strategic direction [8]. Group 2: Asset Performance and Challenges - Barrick's stock has increased over 138% year-to-date, driven by record gold prices, although the company has underperformed compared to peers like Newmont Corporation and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited in the long term [7]. - The future of key assets is uncertain, particularly in Mali, where the company lost control of the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, which produced 723,000 ounces of gold in 2024 [5]. - The Reko Diq project in Pakistan, despite being one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits, faces challenges due to political instability in Balochistan, complicating financing efforts [6].