Enigma,
I understand from later reports of a conference call with analysts that Barrick "reduced" its "hedges" by buying the calls ($68 million) which you are already aware of. (I put those words in quotes because with the proliferation of types of securities, "hedging" could mean lots of things nowadays). John Hathaway reportedly asked who sold Barrick the calls and was told it was a bullion bank whose identity is confidential. So, in short, no, I don't think Barrick unwound any of its positions. If you know otherwise let me know.
Otherwise I generally don't disagree with anything you say. I have no idea what the terms of these derivatives are. Whether Barrick has to deliver physical to close out its poistions probably depends on (a) those terms and (b) what the guy on the other side of the contract wants. But since Barrick is a miner, more often than not, I expect its obligations ultimately require it to cover with the real thing.
Lastly, no, I suppose Barrick couldn't declare force majeur under the terms of its obligations by virtue of its purchasing calls. But then, neither could the writer of those calls. If events play out as I have suggested, I suppose that would leave Barrick (and many other miners) in an ambiguous position.
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