possible mergerhttps://www.afr.com/street-talk/newcrest-mining-gold-plated-mega-deal-predator-or-prey-20181124-h18bed
The most logical is a scrip-based merger, which could add Newcrest's strong presence in Australia and the Pacific, with a big offshore miner's footprint in other parts of the world.
And in terms of the most likely dance partner, fingers are pointing at Vancouver-based giant Goldcorp, which has mines in Canada and Central and South America. If geographical diversification is the goal, then it is hard to find a neater fit.
Putting the two together would create a company with about $6.5 billion revenue and $3 billion earnings in the 2020 financial year, pre synergies, leaping it ahead of the likes of heavyweights Newmont and Barrick Gold. It would be a significant step for what is a highly fragmented industry globally, and a deal of international significance.