Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
The buyout of Acacia Mining’s minority shareholders by the new, larger Barrick Gold is one option, said Mark Bristow, CEO of Randgold Resources. Toronto-based Barrick, which owns about 64% of Acacia, and Randgold are merging in a $7.9 billion share deal that will see Barrick gain control over one of its fiercest competitors.
Barrick shareholders have given a big thumbs up to the merger with Randgold with Bristow as the bigger company’s CEO. Earlier today Randgold shareholders gave a resounding “yes” to the deal.
Earlier today Randgold shareholders gave a resounding “yes” to the deal
Randgold has several African assets, but Barrick distanced itself from that continent when it created Acacia and sold off 36% of the company. Acacia has three operating mines in Tanzania and is engaged in a protracted and ugly disagreement over taxation with the government of Tanzania.
What will Barrick do? Sell Acacia and clear out of Tanzania is one option. Rely on Randgold’s projects elsewhere on the continent is another. Or will Barrick attempt to polish its image in Tanzania – if that is possible.
Developments are going to be interesting. Certainly, executives at Barrick will be taking a long view of the new situation. What remains is the “how” they are going to get the most out of the merged company.
(By Marilyn Scales)
2 Comments
Bob Hall
Don’t spend another dime in Tanzania. If there is someone gullible enough to buy then that is better yet. The merged company without Tanzanian assets can do very well.
Stockolio
The Chinese have a lot of clout in Tanzania… Barrick Gold and Shandong Gold will go 50/50 after the Goverment’s cut in Tanzania, who is extorting companies not paying up as of recently… Barrick gold stock will explode once this is cleared up, merger officially complete and Nevada partnership inked. World Bank pulled 300 Million Loan from Tanzania, and overall there economy is in serious trouble, they will settle mining issues, the Tanzanian Government needs the income asap