The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Barrick Gold is weighing a sale of its majority share of African unit Acacia Mining PLC and has approached several South African miners. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe says the potential sale would be part of Barrick's broader strategy of selling non-core assets to reduce its debt load. Barrick offloaded stakes in several mines last year. Barrick owns 64 per cent of Acacia, a London-listed miner with three producing gold mines in Tanzania: Bulyanhulu, Buzwagi and North Mara. Much of the remainder of Acacia is widely held. Acacia also has exploration projects in the East African country. Acacia has a market capitalization of about 2.23 billion pounds, making Barrick's stake worth around $1.9-billion (U.S.). Barrick has reached out to South African miners Harmony Gold, Sibanye Gold, AngloGold Ashanti, Randgold & Exploration, and Gold Fields, as well as some Australian and North American miners. Acacia's stock is up more than 200 per cent since the start of the year, with strong results also providing a lift. The stock rose after news of the potential sale. While Barrick would prefer a sale, it is also evaluating a possible equity offering.