The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that Barrick Gold may be considering a fresh takeover bid for embattled Canadian copper miner First Quantum Minerals, after making an earlier approach in the middle of last year. The Globe's Niall McGee writes that according to a report on Wednesday, Barrick contacted some of First Quantum's biggest shareholders late last year to ascertain their interest in a takeover. Barrick would need their support in the event of a transaction. China-based Jiangxi Copper has an 18.5-per-cent share of First Quantum. Capital Research and Management owns 12.8 per cent. Shares in Vancouver-based First Quantum recently lost about half their value after the Panamanian government in November ordered the company to close its Cobre Panama mine, after the country's Supreme Court ruled that its mining contract was unconstitutional. While Barrick is predominantly a gold miner, it is in the process of expanding its exposure to copper. The company already has copper operations in Zambia and Saudi Arabia. Barrick also has plans to build a major new copper and gold mine in Pakistan. "A transaction with First Quantum would be consistent with Barrick's messaging," said RBC analyst Josh Wolfson.