Van Eck Associates Corp is the largest individual shareholder of Barrick Gold, with 75.56 million shares representing 4.27% of the company. In the 1980s, Barrick Gold bought Goldstrike, which was a quick success and turned Barrick into one of the largest gold mining companies in the world. Barrick Gold Corporation is a gold and copper mining company with 16 operating sites in 13 countries. As such, it is an attractive option for those looking to invest in a Gold IRA Investment.