Investor confidence in Barrick Gold remains elevated, with the company’s stock trading near its 52-week peak. Shares closed at $48.85 on Friday, demonstrating resilience despite the recent release of concerning production figures from Mali. The West African nation reported a 22.9% decline in industrial gold output for 2025, a drop largely attributed to a prolonged operational halt at Barrick’s facilities. Market participants, however, appear focused on future prospects.
Unprecedented Sector Strength Offsets Operational Headwinds
The broader gold mining sector is experiencing a historic upswing, providing a powerful counterbalance to company-specific challenges. A roughly 66% surge in the gold price over a twelve-month period has significantly boosted producer margins. For Barrick, the substantially higher realized price per ounce likely offset a major portion of the revenue shortfall caused by reduced volume from Mali.
The operational issues in Mali were explicitly linked by authorities to a dispute over new mining legislation, which temporarily paralyzed Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto complex. A resolution was reached late in 2025, with the company agreeing to a $430 million settlement with the government. This agreement restored Barrick’s full control over its assets and secured the release of detained personnel.
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Strategic Moves and Forthcoming Financials
Adding to its financial fortitude, Barrick bolstered its balance sheet in September 2025 through the divestment of its Hemlo mine for $1.1 billion. This infusion of liquidity provides a buffer against temporary revenue fluctuations.
All eyes are now on the upcoming annual report scheduled for February 5, 2026, which will detail Barrick’s full-year 2025 performance. Investors anticipate specific insights into the financial impact of the Mali stoppage during the fourth quarter, alongside a production forecast for 2026. With the West African operations returning to full capacity, analysts project a normalization of output volumes.
From a technical perspective, the share price is consolidating just below the psychologically significant $50 threshold. A decisive break above the 52-week high of $50.51 could signal further upward potential, contingent on rising bond yields not exerting sustained pressure on the precious metal.
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