The Canadian gold major spun-out its assets into Acacia Mining (LSE: ACA) in 2010 but would want Acacia's Tanzanian dispute resolved before making a decision, the wire service said, citing people familiar with the situation.

Meanwhile, Acacia says it is facing increasing pressure in Tanzania, 19 months on from the country banning the export of mineral concentrates then issuing the miner, 63.95%-owned by Barrick, with a US$190 million tax bill.

Three business units, several Acacia employees and a former employee have recently been charged in Tanzania.

The miner advised yesterday a senior manager of its Tanzanian businesses had been arrested and was understood to be charged with various counts of tax evasion, forgery and money laundering. He had pleaded not guilty but had not been released on bail, Acacia said.

The company said it was "deeply concerned about the increasing risks to the safety and security of its people" and said the recent actions represented "a significant escalation of governmental pressure".

Acacia said it was seeking direct dialogue with the government and was also looking to understand Barrick's proposals for the next steps in its direct discussions with the government, which the company was not directly involved in.

Acacia shares closed up 7.7% yesterday but are down 20.48% year-to-date, capitalising it over £600 million (US$$778 million).

Barrick rose 1.57% yesterday and is down just over 4% year-to-date, with a market cap of C$20.3 billion (US$15 billion).

The merger proposal is expected to be put to Barrick and Randgold shareholders around November 5.