The thing we have to remember about Barrick is that they are slime-balls to begin with

You can say that again. Barrick are the slimest of the bunch.

Another factor to consider is that they still have a significant amount of hedging in place, even after the announcement they made several months ago regarding a large block that they had unhedged. Just that one fact makes you wonder about their competence when for years they had a huge hedge book and gold was rising from the $200-300s. One reason why their SP didn't move much.

There has also been allegations that they are part of the group that has manipulated gold prices - based on their large hedge position and only recent attempt to reduce that position there could be some truth to that.