- Barrick Gold Corp. plans to offer $1.29-billion for NovaGold Resources Inc. as Barrick, the world's largest gold producer, seeks to consolidate its interest in projects in Alaska and British Columbia.

Toronto-based Barrick said it plans to offer $14.50 in cash for each NovaGold share, a 24-percent premium over Friday's closing price on the AMEX.

Barrick said the acquisition would boost its pro forma measured and indicated gold resources in North America by 54 percent to 34.7 million ounces, while inferred gold resources would rise by 89 percent to 28.2 million ounces.

It said the deal, which would allow it to consolidate its interest in the Donlin Creek project in Alaska, and acquire 100 percent of the Galore Creek project in British Columbia, would be worth $1.53 billion on a fully diluted basis.

Barrick also said it has agreed to buy Pioneer Metals Corp. for C$60.1 million.

Under that offer, each Pioneer shareholder will receive C$1 per share in cash, representing a 54-percent premium over last Friday's closing price of Pioneer's shares on the TSX.