Barrick Prepared for COVID-19
PRESS RELEASE
NYSE : GOLD TSX : ABX
Barrick Prepared for COVID-19
Toronto — March 5, 2020 — Drawing on experience gained combating Ebola outbreaks around its African
operations, Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) has increased its site-specific emergency
response plans as well as regional crisis management plans to deal with any manifestation of COVID-19 in
or near its mines globally.
The company said it had counselled all employees about the symptoms of the virus and the risk of
contracting the infection. Access to each site across the group is strictly controlled and visitors, employees
and contractors are routinely screened before and on arrival. Emergency medical procedures and facilities
are in place across the organization.
Barrick is closely monitoring the situation, engaging with health authorities and tracking updates from the
international medical community. Thus far, it has not deemed it necessary to introduce any travel
restrictions.
Supplies to its mines have not been affected but the company is increasing its inventory of key commodities
to above their normal level. Placed and forecast orders are intact.
Barrick said it has a long record of investing in health in the areas around its operations and consequently
is engaged with a high level of cooperation from local communities and authorities, as was the case with
respect to previous epidemics it had managed.
Enquiries:
Kathy du Plessis
Investor and media relations
+44 20 7557 7738
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.barrick.com
BARRICK GOLD CORPORATION PRESS RELEASE
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to Barrick’s strategy,
emergency response plans, or future financial or oper ating performance, constitutes “forward-looking
statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward -looking statements. The
words “prepare”, “monitor”, “forecast”, “engaged” and similar expressions identify forward -looking
statements. In particular, this press release contains forward -looking statements including, without
limitation, with respect to: Barrick’s preparations for the COVID -19 virus and measures taken to prevent
and/or mitigate the impact of the disease at or near its mines including through the development of crisis
management plans, employee counseling and s creening and engagement with local communities and
authorities.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions; including
material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable
by Barrick as at the date of this press release in light of management’s experience and perception of current
conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and
competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to
differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be
placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the risks associated
with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases presenting as major health issues; failure to comply with
environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; operating or technical difficulties in connection
with m ining or development activities, including geotechnical challenges, and disruptions in the
maintenance or provision of required infrastructure and information technology systems; changes in
national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, or regulations and/or changes in the
administration of laws, policies, and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or
economic developments in the jurisdictions in which Barrick operates; lack of certainty with respect to
foreign legal systems, corruption, and other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; risk of loss due
to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; timing of receipt of, or failure to comply with,
necessary permits and approvals; litigat ion and legal and administrative proceedings; damage to the
Barrick’s reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including negative
publicity with respect to the Barrick’s handling of environmental matters or dealings with community groups,
whether true or not; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties, or over
access to water, power, and other required infrastructure; employee relations including loss of key
employees; increased costs and physical risks, including extreme weather events and resource shortages,
related to climate change; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In
addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development,
and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations,
pressures, cave-ins, flooding, and gold bullion, copper cathode, or gold or copper concentrate losses (and
the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results
to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf
of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward -looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.
All of the forward -looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary
statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with
the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some
of the factors underlying forward-looking statements, and the risks that may affect Barrick’s ability to achieve
the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.