As Mr. Dushnisky was getting a crash course in South African mining and culture, including the shock of being called "Sir" by his employees, the gold industry burst to life with deals. Barrick's purchase of Randgold was quickly followed by Newmont Mining's offer for Vancouver's Goldcorp. Barrick came in as the wannabe spoiler, making an offer for Newmont, which, if successful, would have cut Goldcorp adrift. In the end, Barrick brokered a peace agreement with Newmont by agreeing to merge the two companies' vast Nevada operations.