March 7 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold Corp ABX.TO is having "constructive" talks with rival Newmont Mining Corp (NYSE:NEM) NEM.N about a possible joint venture in Nevada, Chief Executive Mark Bristow told the CNBC television network on Thursday.
"We are engaged in a constructive manner," Bristow said on CNBC's "Mad Money" program. "We are talking. That's a good thing."
Major shareholders have pushed for a Nevada JV, expressing concern a full combination of both companies - which Barrick wants - could be too complex. has already rejected Barrick's $18 billion offer for the full company. Bristow said it was unlikely he could sweeten the offer.
"I don't give away premiums that haven't been earned," Bristow said.