Getchell mine on care and maintenance, Barrick says

TORONTO, May 20 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold Corp (ABX.TO: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Tuesday it has put its Getchell gold mine in Nevada on "care and maintenance" shutdown status due to safety concerns following three deaths over the past year.

The mine, part of the Turquoise Ridge property and a very small part of Barrick's vast portfolio, had already been halted temporarily following the death of a contract mechanic in April. It was the third death at the mine since last summer.

"It is being placed on care and maintenance due to the safety situation, which is paramount," said Barrick spokesman Vince Borg.

The Getchell mine is already near the end of its life with only "negligible" reserves remaining, Borg said.

Turquoise Ridge, which also includes the Turquoise Ridge mine, is owned 75 percent by Barrick and 25 percent by Newmont Mining (NEM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz). Barrick's share of production from the two mines totaled 184,000 ounces of gold last year.

Toronto-based Barrick is the world's top gold producer. (Reporting by Cameron French; Editing by Peter Galloway)