The Financial Post reports in its Thursday edition that Barrick's goal of reducing its debt load to roughly $5-billion is within reach, TD Securities said on Wednesday (all figures U.S.). The Post's Jonathan Ratner, writing in Trading Desk, says that while the gold miner's total debt outstanding was $9-billion (net debt was $6.6-billion) in the second quarter of 2016, analyst Greg Barnes noted that asset sales should help Barrick achieve its target. Applying the potential proceeds from Barrick's sale of its 50-per-cent non-operating interest in the Kalgoorlie mine in Australia, and its 64-per-cent share of Acacia Mining PLC, Mr. Barnes estimates the company could reduce its net debt to $4-billion, or $6.5-billion total. The analyst notes that Barrick boasts a $2.44-billion cash balance. Along with incoming free cash flow, Mr. Barnes figures Barrick could trim its overall debt to $5-billion some time in 2017. He acknowledged that the Acacia stake could be sold in several steps. Mr. Barnes pointed out that a Barrick without Kalgoorlie and Acacia would still produce between four million and 4.5 million ounces a year. He maintained his buy recommendation and $26 price target on Barrick shares, now $21.77.