Barrick's hedge book wasn't transacted on an exchange. They owe a bullion bank(s) gold or a reasonable facsimile. The bank obviously needs the gold to settle something, somewhere with someone. There are new rules involving increased transparency with the COT and the new head of the CFTC is cracking down on concentrated short positions. Something is up that Barrick and the bullion banks are mixed up in and the hedge covering is just BS to cover up some under handed back room stuff that could sink the US.