The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Barrick Gold is disputing an account by a Panamanian official about an alleged meeting between one of its executives and First Quantum Minerals in Panama to discuss a possible buyout deal. The Globe's Niall McGee writes that First Quantum said this week it is considering a range of merger and acquisition options as it attempts to stem the financial damage caused by the closing of its giant Panama copper mine. Ebrahim Asvat, a former adviser with the Panamanian government, told The Globe on Thursday that Juana Barceló, president of Barrick's Pueblo Viejo operations in the Dominican Republic, was in Panama in early January and met with people at First Quantum. Barrick said in a statement that Ms. Barceló has not been to Panama since early 2023. First Quantum declined to comment. Earlier this week, First Quantum said it was considering the sale of some of its smaller mines, as well as potentially selling stakes in its larger operations, as it attempts to mitigate the financial damage from the closing of Cobre Panama. Last year, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo ordered First Quantum to close the mine. Barrick has not confirmed its interest in First Quantum.