(Reuters) - Newmont Mining Corp said on Friday it was aware that Canadian rival Barrick Gold Corp said it had studied an unsolicited buyout proposal for the company, a deal that would, if consummated, bring together two of the world’s leading gold producers.

Newmont spokesman Omar Jabara said in a statement to Reuters the company would not speculate on Barrick’s intentions and that Newmont remains confident the best path forward is to close its $10 billion offer for smaller rival Goldcorp Inc.