In a significant strategic shift, Barrick Mining Corp. is reorienting its focus towards North American gold deposits following the abrupt departure of its longtime chief executive, Mark Bristow. The Toronto-based miner's new interim leadership sees major growth potential in its assets in Nevada and the Dominican Republic, marking a departure from the previous global expansion strategy.
A New Direction for a Mining Giant
Interim chief executive Mark Hill announced he is shifting the company's focus to lucrative gold mines in Nevada and the Dominican Republic, which possess considerable potential for expansion. This pivot comes as North American gold miners are experiencing substantial returns this year, driven by skyrocketing bullion prices and a growing preference for projects in politically stable jurisdictions.
"I do see a big opportunity there, and I do see that as the next big growth area for Barrick," Hill stated during an earnings call on Monday, November 10, 2025. This new vision starkly contrasts with the approach under former CEO Mark Bristow, a South African executive who built a sprawling international portfolio with projects in Asia and Africa at its core.
Key Projects Driving the Strategy
The company is actively expanding its Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic, with an ambitious target of producing 800,000 ounces of bullion annually. If achieved, this would make Pueblo Viejo Barrick's largest gold operation. Simultaneously, the Fourmile project in Nevada has demonstrated the potential for up to 750,000 ounces of annual gold production, solidifying its role in the company's renewed North American emphasis.
This strategic refocus follows challenges with some of Barrick's international assets. One of its largest gold mines in Mali remains shuttered, with four employees still in custody following a dispute with the country's military junta. These international difficulties have underscored the advantages of operating in safer, more predictable jurisdictions like North America.
Contrasting Leadership Visions
The leadership change signals a fundamental rethinking of Barrick's direction. Under Bristow, the company had pursued an aggressive international strategy, including advancing the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan. His vision went so far as to pivot away from gold, culminating in the company's name change from Barrick Gold Corp. to Barrick Mining Corp. earlier this year.
This new North American-centric approach aligns Barrick more closely with competitors like Canada's Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., which has grown into a gold producing giant by acquiring and developing assets almost exclusively in North America. The industry-wide trend toward geopolitically secure mining operations appears to be accelerating as gold prices continue their upward trajectory.
