Barrick Gold Corp., the world's biggest gold producer, extended its bid for Pioneer Metals Corp. to Nov. 30.

Toronto-based Barrick said today in a statement distributed by CCNMatthews that it has acquired 59.1 million shares of Pioneer. Barrick had 58.6 million shares of Vancouver-based Pioneer on Oct. 20, when it last extended the offer.

Barrick became the world's largest gold producer in March after completing the acquisition of Placer Dome. Inc.