Drilling Report

    FOR:  BARRICK GOLD CORPORATION

NYSE, TSX SYMBOL:  ABX
LSE SYMBOL:  BGD

December 6, 2006

Pascua-Lama Project Receives Argentinean Approval

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Dec. 6, 2006) - Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:ABX)(TSX:ABX)(LSE:BGD) today
welcomed the province of San Juan's decision to approve the Pascua-Lama project in Argentina. Already approved
in Chile, Pascua-Lama is a bi-national mining project that will be developed on the border between the two
countries.

"We are very pleased that the Pascua-Lama project has been approved. This milestone decision is the result of a
serious and thorough evaluation process on both sides of the border," said Greg Wilkins, President and Chief
Executive Officer. "Once again, Barrick's professionals have demonstrated their expertise in permitting large
and complex mining projects and their commitment to effectively engaging with stakeholders."

The approval of the environmental impact assessment is an important step towards the construction phase at
Pascua-Lama. Before construction can begin, Barrick must now obtain a number of sectoral permits from the
appropriate authorities and complete detailed engineering plans. In addition, the governments of Chile and
Argentina must resolve some fiscal matters relating to the bi-national project.

"Over the next short while, we will review and evaluate the conditions and specific recommendations of the
authorities," said Ron Kettles, Pascua-Lama project director. "With the receipt of sectoral permits and prompt
resolution of fiscal matters, we hope to start construction soon so that we can be ready to begin production in
2010."

The environmental approval in Argentina came after an exhaustive evaluation process that took place over 25
months. During this time there was substantial participation by the Interdisciplinary Environmental Evaluation
Commission (CIEAM), a group of independent professionals who were assembled to review and issue a technical
evaluation of the project.

"As we complete the remaining steps towards construction, we will continue to advance our sustainable
development initiatives, as well as our employment training programs. These are designed to equip local workers
with the skills they need to take advantage of the 5,500 direct construction jobs that Pascua-Lama will
generate in its first phase," Mr. Kettles added. "This is in addition to all of the benefits the project is
generating in the San Juan province already. For example, our local suppliers' development program is sourcing
goods and services from 900 businesses in the province to support the Pascua-Lama project and our nearby
Veladero mine."

The entire project is being developed within the framework of Barrick's responsible mining philosophy.
Barrick's vision is to become the world's best gold company by finding, acquiring, developing and producing
quality reserves in a safe, profitable and socially responsible manner.


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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

INVESTOR CONTACT:
Barrick Gold Corporation
James Mavor
Vice President, Investor Relations
[phone]
Email: [e-mail]

OR

MEDIA CONTACT:
Barrick Gold Corporation
Vincent Borg
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
[phone]
Email: [e-mail]



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Barrick Gold Corporation