Mark Bristow, the gold giant’s CEO, reportedly spoke with major backers of copper miner First Quantum, including China’s Jiangxi Copper, to suss out potential support for an acquisition. (Bloomberg)

Talking point: A potential tie-up between the two Canadian firms would unite one of the world’s biggest gold producers with a top-10 global copper miner. First Quantum has struggled with local opposition to its Panama mine, pushing its shares to a 52-week low on Dec. 13, down about 76 per cent from its July 31 high. The report of Barrick’s takeover talks, which the companies have not confirmed publicly, comes as more gold miners invest in the critical minerals used for energy-transition products, like electric vehicles. Earlier this week, gold giant Agnico Eagle invested in Canada Nickel.