Highlander Silver (TSX: HSLV) President and CEO Daniel Earle says the silver cycle remains in the early stages, with the gold-silver ratio still near 80:1. He notes the sector is trending toward a typical halving of that ratio across a full bull market cycle. “It reached a peak of 106/107:1,” Earle said, adding that silver should continue to outperform if global growth accelerates in 2026.

In October, Highlander closed a $95 million bought deal financing that was heavily oversubscribed, with “demand well in excess of $200 million.” Earle says the raise, alongside support from the Lundins, Augusta Group, and Eric Sprott, leaves the company fully funded for its baseline strategy. The 2026 plan includes beginning permits in Q1 for a 350-tonne-per-day starter operation at Yalán, advancing toward potential 2028 production.

On the exploration front, Highlander is preparing to integrate new geophysics, expand drilling at Bonita, and advance district-scale targets, including the Cerro Colorado porphyry, the Daniella porphyry system, and high-priority replacement potential at depth.

Highlander expects to release its 2026 drill plan early next year and continues to monitor potential index inclusion, starting with SILJ.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitco Mining and Kitco News YouTube channels to stay up to date on the latest industry news and interviews.

https://youtu.be/BwXVZ6e8nKk?si=yKbTpL45j-hpA2Ws

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Foran Mining (TSX: FOM; OTCQX: FMCXF) is preparing to bring Canada’s next copper mine online. Executive Chair Dan Myerson joins Kitco Mining at the 2025 NBF CEO Mining Conference in London to give an update on the McIlvenna Bay build in Saskatchewan. Phase one carries an $800 million capital cost and is set to produce 65 million pounds of copper per year starting February 2026. Despite port closures, airline strikes, tariff shocks, and wildfire evacuations, Myerson says the team “overcame a significant amount of adversity” and the project “has gone incredibly well.”

Foran is the only new copper mine coming online in Canada as several long-running operations close, positioning the company at the centre of a tightening supply picture. Saskatchewan’s geology continues the historic VMS belt from Manitoba, giving the Foran district-scale potential beyond first production. And with high-quality mid-tier copper assets “as rare as hen’s teeth,” Myerson sees a strong strategic window ahead.

In this interview, Dan Myerson also discusses:
• Phase two and future district expansion
• Tesla Zone exploration and the upcoming maiden resource
• Government backing, permitting efficiency, and national priority status
• Creative financing options in a high-price metals environment
• How Agnico Eagle’s technical depth supports Foran’s ramp-up
• Copper, zinc, gold, and silver market dynamics heading into 2026

Don’t forget to subscribe to follow all of Kitco Mining’s coverage from the 2025 NBF CEO Mining Conference in London.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Agnico Eagle, for making this coverage possible.
 Visit https://agnicoeagle.com/ to learn more.

https://youtu.be/IZimaCPIh1Q?si=G_i8w_qUPkqARtwO

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Solaris Resources (TSX: SLS; NYSE American: SLS) President and CEO Matthew Rowlinson joins Kitco Mining at the 2025 NBF CEO Mining Conference in London to discuss the new pre-feasibility study and maiden reserve for the Warintza Project in Ecuador. The study outlines 240,000 tons per year of copper equivalent for the first 15 years, a $1.07 per pound C1 cash cost, an NPV of $4.6 billion, a 26 percent IRR, and $3.7 billion in initial capital. Rowlinson calls Warintza a “multi-generational asset” with 5.8 billion tons of resource, a 50-year mine life, and tier one, quartile one cost positioning supported by a 0.53:1 strip ratio, near-surface mineralisation, and strong Ecuadorian infrastructure.

Rowlinson explains that Warintza will be permitted in two stages, starting with a 22-year reserve life linked to the initial tailings facility. Additional tailings locations have already been identified to support the full 5.8 billion ton resource and extend mine life by roughly 30 years. Solaris aims to be fully permitted by the end of 2026, complete a feasibility study in early 2027, and move into a three-year build toward production. He adds that the PFS “opens a corridor” for strategic interest, and while Solaris is advancing its own development plan, the company remains open to discussions that maximise shareholder value.

For more interviews and insights from the NBF CEO Mining Conference in London, make sure to subscribe to Kitco Mining.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Agnico Eagle, for making this coverage possible. Visit https://agnicoeagle.com/ to learn more.

https://youtu.be/7fb0jZ0Jwxk?si=ZPUCjEu-7AKfKRyF

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Slowing electric vehicle sales and new tech are both contributing to lithium sector woes, said Daniel Jimenez, partner at iLiMarkets. 

Last week Jimenez spoke to Kitco Mining. 

iLiMarkets is a business consulting firm, specialized in the lithium industry. Jiminez worked 28 years at SQM, one of the world's biggest lithium producer. Jiminez was responsible for production and commercialization of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide to Asia, Europe and North America, as well as developing SQM's commercial offices. 

After the lithium market was up 10x at the start of the decade, the market is now experiencing a downturn. Prices have fallen 80% over the past two years. Overcapacity and declining electric vehicle sales have led to a significant drop in lithium prices.

Jiminez said there are other factors adding to depressed lithium prices: increasing popularity of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which have smaller batteries than full EVs, and growing use of LFP cathode material, which requires less lithium than NMC.

Some of the large lithium giants are cutting. Lithium giant Albemarle announced job cuts deferred spending. Other miners have been expanding despite the slump. SQM is ramping up its refinery in northern Chile. The investment would take the facility to 300,000 tons, according to Reuters. In August Pilbara Minerals announced plans to acquire Latin Resources for $369 million. 

Jiminez was critical of the West's efforts to build its own critical mineral supply chain, namely through Biden''s two-year old Inflation Reduction Act. Focusing on developing battery manufacturing capabilities is crucial for establishing a competitive supply chain.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Copper is increasingly viewed as a critical asset in the global energy transition. A looming supply crunch driven by high demand is elevating prices to record highs.
 
Hosted by Paul Harris, the Kitco Copper Masters Panel brought together industry leaders Robert Friedland, Kathleen Quirk, and Colin Hamilton to explore why copper is positioned as one of the most crucial resources in the coming decade.
 
This live segment aired on YouTube on August 22, 2024 at 3 PM EDT / 12 PM PDT.
 
Coverage brought to you by Coppernico Metals.
To learn more, visit https://coppernicometals.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Silver prices will move higher, said Randy Smallwood, the CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals. 

On Wednesday Smallwood spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Wheaton Precious Metals is a top precious metals streaming company. In its Q2 released early in August, the company generated $234 million in operating cash flow, resulting in record cash flows of over $450 million for the first half of the year. 2024 production guidance is 550,000 to 620,000 gold equivalent ounces. Wheaton Precious Metals is up 29% year-to-date. 

Smallwood is a fan of gold, but he feels the strongest pull from silver. 

"I did spend the last three years as the chair of the World Gold Council," said Smallwood. "It didn't change my perspective that silver is my favorite metal."

Smallwood noted the metals versatility. It is a precious metal, but it is also a critical mineral used for solar panels and electronics. 

"I do think we'll see a rapid move in a higher price of silver," said Smallwood. "It always outperforms."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Gold is finally getting some attention from the mainstream press, noted John A. McCluskey, president and CEO of Alamos Gold. 

On Wednesday McCluskey spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI) is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer with production from three operating mines in North America: Young-Davidson and Island Gold mines in northern Ontario, Canada and the Mulatos mine in Sonora State, Mexico.

Alamos Gold expects to produce between 485,000 and 525,000 ounces of gold in 2024. The gold production forecast doesn't include Argonaut Gold. In the spring Alamos announced it was acquiring Argonaut Gold in a friendly acquisition. The deal is expected to close in September. 

Investors appear to like the growth story. Alamos is up 55% year-to-date, doubling the performance of the GDX, which up about 25% over the same period. 

Talking generally about gold, McCluskey said investors are starting to notice the metal. Gold has hit several all-time highs in 2024 and recently broke through $2,500 ounce.  

"I've probably seen more articles on gold in the last week than I've seen in the last three months," said McCluskey. "You know, even though gold was running, the press was largely ignoring it. And suddenly, the Financial Times has got an article on gold, the Wall Street Journal has got an article on gold. Everybody's talking about gold all of a sudden"

McCluskey speculated that $2,500 was the "...magic number they were all waiting for." 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Silver can move quickly in a short period of time, noted Michael Konnert, president and CEO of Vizsla Silver. 

On Thursday Konnert spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Vizsla Silver (NYSE: VZLA) is advancing its Pacuno project in Mexico. The company received its preliminary economic assessment in July. Highlights were an estimated after-tax NPV (5%) of more than US$1.1 billion, an after-tax IRR of 85.7% and a payback over a period of about nine months. Annually, the mine is projected to produce an average of 15.2 million silver equivalent ounces. 

The company is working towards a feasibility study to be released in the second half of 2025. 

With gold hitting all-time highs, Konnert said silver should follow. Konnert said a higher gold price is followed by a silver lag between six to nine months behind. 

“We haven't seen that yet. We've seen things similar to that happen in the past,” said Konnert. 

Konnert described the last move by silver early in the decade as “parabolic.”

“If you weren't invested, you totally missed out on that move.” 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Silver prices should spike higher with gold hitting a new all-time high above $2,500 an ounce, said John Ciampaglia, CEO of Sprott Asset Management. 

Last week, Ciampaglia spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Western investors are finally starting to show an interest in gold, noted Ciampaglia, driven by concerns about market disruptions and geopolitical risks. However, gold miners haven't seen the same level of interest, which Ciampaglia attributed to the lack of institutional investment. He also noted the recent pause in China's gold buying, interpreting it as a strategic move to influence the market.

While gold has hit successive record highs this year, Ciampaglia said  he believes silver is undervalued. The metal is supported by industrial applications, as well as being precious. Silver usually rallies after gold. 

“It's mind-boggling to us that silver is still below $30. It is obviously way off its 2010 highs, and we would love to see it get back to the $50 level,” said Ciampaglia. “We think it has the ability to do that over time.”

Regarding contrarian metal bets, Ciampaglia expressed concerns about the overcapacity in copper, lithium, and nickel markets. He suggested uranium as a contrarian play, expecting a better market in the second half of the year.

Sprott Asset Management is focused on precious metals and critical materials investments. Sprott runs a physical uranium trust, a physical copper trust and mining equity ETFs. Sprott was founded in 1981 by Eric Sprott. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Silver usually out-performs gold, but silver starts slower, said Jeff Clark, founder of the TheGoldAdvisor.com.

Last week Kitco Mining spoke to Clark. 

Clark noted that the gold miners, represented by GDX, haven't outperformed gold. As of August 8, both gold prices and the GDX were showing similar returns. Clark expected the gold miners to start to turn around when the miners start showing higher free cash flow in Q2. 

Mergers and acquisitions are expected to pick up as producers gain more cash, driven by the need for majors to acquire ounces.

Silver prices will likely start moving after gold, and silver should outperform the yellow metal, noted Clark. However, gold is seen as a better performer during negative economic events.

"Silver outperforms gold," said Clark. "It tends to start slower. Gold tends to be a little stronger, so the better value might be in silver right now."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Copper and gold work together, said Mark Bristow, CEO of Barrick Gold. 

On Thursday Bristow spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Early this week Barrick Gold filed its Q2. Analysts had been following the second quarter results of all the gold miners to see how strongly the companies might perform off record high prices for the metal. Net earnings at Barrick were up 25% and the attributable EBITDA margin was up 17% quarter on quarter to 48%.  

Gold production was 948,000 ounces in Q2, up 0.8% from the prior quarter and a 6% decrease for the same period a year ago. Barrick is forecasting a 30% increase in production by the end of the decade through organic growth. 

Bristow highlighted the company's Reko Diq project in Pakistan, 50% owned by Barrick and the rest by state-owned enterprises. Bristow said Barrick's goal is build a tier one copper business. Barrick is targeting 400kt copper and 500koz gold per annum from the project. A feasibility study is on track for completion by year-end with first production scheduled for 2028. 

"Copper is as strategic as gold is precious," said Bristow. "As you grow as a gold miner, you have to embrace copper. To keep critical mass, you've got to go to the porphyries—porphyry gold deposits—and with those porphyries come copper as well."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Junior resource companies are starved for attention and undervalued, according to institutional advisor Jayant Bhandari. 

Last week Bhandari spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Gold has hit several all-time highs in 2024. Despite roaring metal prices, upside for the resource stocks has been limited. As of August 14, the VanEck Junior Gold Miners index is up 20% year to date while physical gold is up 17%. Bhandari said the market fixates on just the large gold miners. 

"Junior mining companies are not followed by big investors," said Bhandari. "Mining companies tend to stay away from junior mining companies until the very last days, which means that junior mining companies continue to struggle with their valuation. They're just not [enough] people valuing those companies."

Bhandari said that gives him an advantage. 

"I want to operate in a market where competition is limited, where not many people are chasing the same stuff that I'm chasing." 

Regarding macroeconomic concerns and China, Bhandari is bullish. China is a vital market for all metals, but the country has posted months of disappointing economic data. Bhandari highlighted China's consistent growth and positive developments in consumer services, manufacturing, and infrastructure. 

While acknowledging the political conflict with the West, he believes China is better positioned to handle deglobalization due to its strong manufacturing base.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Copper projects still need a better incentive price, said Matt Geiger, managing partner at MJG Capital. 

On Tuesday, Geiger spoke to Kitco Mining. 

MJG Capital is a limited partnership that specializes in long-term natural resource investments. Founded in 2011, the partnership holds a concentrated, long-only portfolio of natural resource equities.

Geiger noted that copper-focused investments had increased significantly in his company's portfolio, up to 36%. Despite copper prices trading higher in 2024, the incentive price for greenlighting a copper mine needs to be higher. 

"[Copper mines] are extremely complex, technically difficult, and expensive projects to build that are fraught with risk," said Geiger. "This is far different than building a medium-sized gold mine that could go into production in a 12- to 18-month period."

Geiger noted that the miners are still lagging the metal prices. While gold is up 16% year-to-date and copper is up 20% over the same period, he said that mining equities are not showing leverage to the metals. While other parts of the market have been on a tear, resources may soon have its turn. 

Interest rate cuts, strong earnings, and big M&A deals are all potential jump starts for resources.

"There's a number of potential catalysts to start revenge of the miners," said Geiger.  

Geiger argued that the stark disparity between tech and commodities valuations could herald a significant shift. He pointed out that the last time such a gap existed, it was followed by a decade-long commodities bull market, noted Geiger in his July investor note. While this might offer little solace to mining-focused investors who missed the recent tech boom, he suggested it could indicate future opportunities.

Geiger emphasized the intrinsic link between the mining and tech industries, despite this connection being largely overlooked in Silicon Valley. He highlighted that AI data centers, consumer technology, electric vehicles, national defense applications, and clean tech are fundamentally dependent on a wide array of metals extracted globally.

Geiger cautioned that if history were to repeat itself, substantial increases in metal prices could be on the horizon. He warned that such rises, and their impact on the cost and adoption rates of new technologies, might come as a stark revelation to many, said Geiger.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Aya Gold and Silver (TSX: AYA) CEO Benoit La Salle joins Kitco Mining’s Investment Trends to discuss the company’s record performance and expanding footprint in Morocco. The company remains the only pure silver producer in the sector, anchored by the Zgounder mine, where a new 2,700 tonne per day plant has lifted total capacity to about 3,700 tonnes per day. The ramp-up helped deliver strong third-quarter results and rising margins as production scales.

La Salle says silver’s rally is transforming profitability, “our lowest selling price right now in Q4 is $51,” which emphasizes margins above $30 per ounce and strong cash generation. He added that “The sector is extremely profitable,” as Aya targets roughly 6 million ounces of silver in 2025 and continues to strengthen its balance sheet.

Looking ahead, the fully permitted Boumadine project is set to reshape the company’s profile. The planned 8,000 tonne per day operation is expected to produce more than 30 million ounces of silver equivalent annually, supported by EBRD financing and strong demand for concentrates. La Salle sees a clear path toward construction as updated studies and a major drill program advance through 2026.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitco Mining and Kitco News YouTube channels to stay up to date on the latest industry news and interviews.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Diversified supply chains are necessary, said Jigar Shah, director of the Loan Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy. 

On Tuesday, Shah spoke to Kitco Mining. 

After the Biden administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act nearly two years ago, Shah's office has been behind notable mine financings, such as $102.1 million to Syrah Technologies LLC to process graphite, and $2.26 billion to Lithium Americas for Thacker Pass. The goal of the IRA is to invest in America's domestic energy production while spurring development in clean energy. As of June, the cumulative dollar amount from the loads office tops $285 billion. 

In July, Shah's office announced a conditional commitment of up to $1.2 billion for a direct loan to ENTEK lithium separators. If finalized, the loan will substantially finance a new facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, to manufacture lithium-ion battery separators. 

China has built a tremendous lead in a number of key sectors, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles. Shah compared the sector to oil and gas. Diversified supply chains are key, he said.  

"We want to make sure we have a diversified supply chain so that you're not subject to the whims of any one country withholding access, to those technologies," said Shah. "[We] do need to get China to recognize that it is not in their best interest to be promoting an unstable supply chain."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Nations Royalty (CVE: NRC) has a first mover advantage, said Kody Penner, VP, corporate development at Nations Royalty. 

Last week Kitco Mining spoke to Penner and Derrick Pattenden, chief investment officer at Nations Royalty.  

Nations Royalty is a newly-formed royalty company under-pinned by five Nisga’a Benefits Agreement Royalties with a net asset value of $214 million. According to the company's news release, the company’s vision is to "...unite First Nations and Indigenous groups across Canada, welcoming external investors to join the company as shareholders."

Nations Royalty’s highlights the following benefits agreements: the high-grade Brucejack gold mine operated by Pretium Resources Inc., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Newmont, a large underground gold mine; the KSM copper-gold-silver-molybdenum deposit, currently in development by Seabridge Gold; the Premier gold project, currently being commissioned by Ascot Resources with first gold poured in April, 2024 and commercial production scheduled for Q3 2024; the Red Mountain Gold Deposit, owned by Ascot Resources; and the Kitsault Molybdenum Deposit, a large, fully permitted brownfield site owned and being actively advanced by New Moly, majority-owned by Resource Capital Fund VI. 

Penner said that Nations Royalty has a unique advantage: benefits agreements have been "untapped within the royalty space." 

 "As a first mover in the space, we have latitude to go for tier one assets that are cash producing in safe jurisdictions and in the lower cost quartiles that other small royalty companies don't have access to," said Penner. "As a first mover, we can do that."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Roaring copper prices are due to speculators, said Gianni Kovacevic, investor and author. 

On Tuesday Kovacevic spoke to Kitco Mining.

Kovacevic is the author of My Electrician Drives a Porsche?

Copper has had a great run in 2024, hitting an all-time high of $5.20 pound in May. Although he is a copper bull, Kovacevic said it is too much, too fast. He views the recent run as being driven by speculators. 

"If any commodity goes up too radically, people just stop buying it," said Kovacevic. "[The speculators] take the stairs on the way up, but they always take the elevator on the way down."

Kovacevic believes in the fundamentals of copper due to energy transition and AI. The world will need a lot more of the metal, he says. He is also a believer in lithium, but low prices for the metal mean volatility ahead until supply and demand balance. 

"The consensus is that if the lithium price stays at this level for a continued period of time, you will have no lithium," said Kovacevic. "Lithium will just cease to be produced for many projects, not all projects, but for many projects."

Uranium is challenged, said Kovacevic, due to regulatory hurdles and the long-time frame to build projects. 

"I think it's a lot of lip service," said Kovacevic. "Ultimately, that's not where the world's going to go."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

The Federal Reserve got ahead of itself earlier this year thinking it had inflation whipped, said James Fishback, co-founder and chief investment officer at Azoria. Fishback spoke to Kitco on Tuesday. 

Back in December, the market was expecting more rate cuts than it will get this year. Fishback said the Fed and Chair Jerome Powell erred when it had its "mission accomplished December Fed meeting" and the markets priced in several rate cuts in 2024. Hotter-than-expected inflation data squashed lowering interest rates. 

"The Fed is thinking about undoing its latest mistake," said Fishback. "Right now, Powell is on the precipice of potentially making another mistake: does he want to pull back rates prematurely and then risk reigniting that crippling inflation that we saw in '21 and '22?"

An additional complication is the U.S. election, which gives the Fed limited maneuverability, noted Fishback. 

He also discussed the promise of AI and how it could drive economic growth and help metals. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

President and CEO Ammar Al-Joundi is very satisfied with Agnico Eagle Mines' project pipeline. 

On Thursday Al-Joundi spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM) is a Canadian based senior gold mining company. It's the third-largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico. Agnico is guiding to 3.35 to 3.55 million ounces of payable gold production in 2024, with total cash costs per ounce and AISC per ounce in 2024 at $875 to $925 and $1,200 to $1,250, respectively. 

In June the company announced its plans for the Detour Lake Mine, located in Ontario. The company is spending $100 million investment over the next three years for study and de-risking. Detour Lake mine's overall production is expected to average one million ounces of gold per year over a 14-year period, starting in 2030.

Al-Joundi was asked about the likelihood of an acquisition. Al-Joundi said the company can afford to be choosy. 

"I've been in this business for almost 25 years. I've never been with a company with as strong a pipeline as we have right now," said Al-Joundi. "So at Agnico Eagle, we are going to focus on a small handful of really good projects for the foreseeable future."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Gold miners should be up about double the metal price, but that hasn't happened, noted Ryan McIntyre, a managing partner at Sprott. 

On Tuesday McIntyre spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Sprott offers investments in precious metals and critical materials, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Sprott was founded in 1981 by Eric Sprott. The company has 250,000 clients and about $29.4 billion in assets under management.

Despite gold hitting several all-time highs, the gold miners have still not rallied that strongly. The VanEck Gold Miners ETF is only up 10% year to date. McIntyre expects a two to one ratio in terms of the performance for gold mining stocks. 

"So if gold were up 13%, we'd expect the miners to be about 26% or so—plus or minus—and that's really due to operating leverage that all miners have," said McIntyre. "We really haven't seen that yet, which is actually good. If you're looking to invest today, gold mining stocks are actually a great spot to be. They haven't kept up to even the gold price this year." 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Elections in France and the U.S. should not disrupt carbon compliance markets, said Luke Oliver, managing director and head of climate investments at KraneShares. 

On Tuesday Oliver spoke to Kitco Mining. 

The KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF (KRBN) is benchmarked to the S&P Global Carbon Credit Index, which covers cap-and-trade carbon allowances. Currently, the index covers the major European and North American cap-and-trade programs: European Union Allowances (EUA), California Carbon Allowances (CCA), the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and United Kingdom Allowances (UKA).

The carbon compliance markets are designed to incentivize pollution reduction. In a report from last year, Reuters valued the markets at over $900 billion. 

France, a pillar nation within the EU, is in the middle of an election with the far-right National Rally (RN) leads the polls, according to polls by EuroNews. The National Rally is at 36% while French President Macron's party is at 20%. The U.S. election is in November. Most polls show a tie. 

"I think it's possible to see a shift right in the U. S. And I think that a shift right usually sort of correlates with a less climate forward or climate supportive set of policies. But these programs are ...deeply embedded," said Oliver. "We don't foresee any material rolling back of the program."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Elections in France and the U.S. should not disrupt carbon compliance markets, said Luke Oliver, managing director and head of climate investments at KraneShares. 

On Tuesday Oliver spoke to Kitco Mining. 

The KraneShares Global Carbon Strategy ETF (KRBN) is benchmarked to the S&P Global Carbon Credit Index, which covers cap-and-trade carbon allowances. Currently, the index covers the major European and North American cap-and-trade programs: European Union Allowances (EUA), California Carbon Allowances (CCA), the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and United Kingdom Allowances (UKA).

The carbon compliance markets are designed to incentivize pollution reduction. In a report from last year, Reuters valued the markets at over $900 billion. 

France, a pillar nation within the EU, is in the middle of an election with the far-right National Rally (RN) leads the polls, according to polls by EuroNews. The National Rally is at 36% while French President Macron's party is at 20%. The U.S. election is in November. Most polls show a tie. 

"I think it's possible to see a shift right in the U. S. And I think that a shift right usually sort of correlates with a less climate forward or climate supportive set of policies. But these programs are ...deeply embedded," said Oliver. "We don't foresee any material rolling back of the program."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Declining profits for lab-grown diamonds could push retailers into a natural diamond pivot, said Paul Zimnisky, an independent diamond industry analyst. 

Last week Zimnisky spoke to Kitco Mining. 

The diamond market has been in a tough spot due to declining sales. In September Petra Diamonds reported full-year revenue declined 44%. In February Lucara Diamond announced full-year revenue was down 16%, adding that the diamond market is a "volatile environment with market challenges coming from multiple areas." Storied diamond company De Beers is being sold off by parent Anglo American, which is restructuring after rebuffing a takeover by BHP. 

Demographics and growing market share by lab-grown diamonds are part of the challenge, said Zimnisky, but exclusivity and rarity of natural diamonds could end up helping. Innovations in production have resulted in jewelers cutting the costs of lab-grown diamonds. That may lead jewelers to pivot and prioritize selling natural diamonds over lab grown, said Zimnisky. 

"The catalyst could be declining profitability of selling lab-grown diamonds, " he said. "[That] could incentivize retailers to really push natural diamonds again. That has the potential to be a very positive development for the natural diamond industry."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Gold miners could use a little more conviction in the product they sell, said Frank Holmes, CEO and chief investment officer at  @USGlobalInvestors .

In early June, Holmes spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Gold has been hitting all-time highs in 2024, but the gold mining companies have lagged behind. The GDX, the gold mining index, is only up 12% year-to-date. Some enthusiasm for the metal the miners produce could help, said Holmes. 

Holmes said gold miners are holding less gold on their books, unlike cryptocurrency companies.

"I think gold miners—like Bitcoin miners—have to show investors their conviction that they really like the product, and that they're going to own it," said Holmes. "You have many more crypto mining companies [that] actually own Bitcoin." 

Coverage of the THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Lundin Gold (TSX: LUG) President and CEO Jamie Beck joins Kitco Mining at the 2025 NBF CEO Mining Conference in London to discuss his transition into the role and the next phase of growth at the high-grade Fruta del Norte mine in Ecuador. With $4,000 gold, strong free cash flow, and a debt-free balance sheet, the company continues to return capital through a fixed $300 million dividend and a variable dividend set at a minimum of 50 percent of free cash flow. Beck says joining a “really high-functioning team” has been a privilege.

He outlines an expanded exploration push in 2026 following 108,000 meters drilled this year, including a recent hit of five meters of almost 500 grams per ton and promising copper-gold intercepts near the mine. Beck says this work could reveal a broader porphyry district and help extend Fruta del Norte’s already strong mine life.

In this interview, Beck also discusses:
• Lundin Gold’s dividend strategy and potential 4.5–5% yield
• High-grade conversion drilling and mine life extension
• Near-mine porphyry potential, including 200m of 0.75% Cu + 0.18 g/t Au
• Ecuador’s new exploration tax and sector impacts
• Why community relationships reduce jurisdiction pressure
• The team’s approach to M&A amid rising global dealmaking

For more interviews and insights from the NBF CEO Mining Conference in London, make sure to subscribe to Kitco Mining.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Agnico Eagle, for making this coverage possible. Visit https://agnicoeagle.com/ to learn more.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

British Columbia's northwest is seeing heightened interest from resource companies, said Ken Konkin, CEO and president of Tudor Gold.

In early June Konkin spoke to Kitco Mining at THE Mining Investment Event of the North in Quebec City. 

 @tudorgoldcorp.1829   (TSX:TUD) is an exploration and development company advancing its Treaty Creek gold and copper project, situated in the Golden Triangle. Treaty Creek project hosts the Goldstorm deposit, which the company says is one of the largest gold discoveries in the last three decades.

The Golden Triangle is seeing renewed focus, says Konkin, due to the infrastructure and safe jurisdiction, as well as the many development projects that are advancing in B.C. The world's largest gold miner, Newmont, has made the region a top priority since taking out Newcrest and acquiring both its Pretium and Red Chris mining operations in the Golden Triangle. 

"Clearly, there's blood in the water," said Konkin. 

Coverage of THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Despite gold hitting several all-time highs in 2024, margins have been a drag on mining equities, said Peter Marrone, chairman and CEO of Allied Gold. 

In early June, Marrone spoke to Kitco Mining at THE Mining Investment Event of the North. 

Marrone noted that gold spiked at the start of the decade to around the $2,020 level and then stayed relatively flat until recently. Marrone said that during that time, margins amongst gold miners declined from about $750 to $575. The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has come anywhere near its highs from the start of the decade.

"That run-up in gold price is quite dramatic, and I think it will continue," said Marrone. "And now, as an industry will we be able to demonstrate that we can deliver improvements to margins, increase in EBITDA, increase in cash flow? And that's where the rubber hits the road because, at that point, I think that's where the multiples begin to come back." 

Allied Gold (TSX:AAUC) has both producing and development stage properties in Africa, including countries such as Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia. The company is targeting about 800,000 gold production by 2029. 

Coverage of THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Investors will return to mining as commodity prices climb, said Sean Roosen, chairman and CEO of Osisko Development. 

In early June Roosen spoke to Kitco Mining at THE Mining Investment Event of the North. 

Osisko Development (TSX-V:ODV) is advancing the Cariboo project, an advanced-stage feasibility gold project located in central British Columbia in the historic Wells-Barkerville mining camp. The feasibility study from last year showed an underground operation expected to produce approximately 1.87 million ounces of gold over a 12-year mine life, with an after-tax NPV5% of C$502 million and 20.7% IRR at a US$1,700/oz gold price.

An environmental assessment certificate for Cariboo was received in the fall of 2023. The company said it expects to receive its permits this year. 

When Cariboo is built, Roosen said the mine will utilize a lot of high tech. 

"We expect this mine to operate at about 80% on green power," said Roosen. "We're currently underground mining [at Cariboo] with a road header, which is a fully electric machine. It's a relatively new technology in the gold-mining sector for Canada."

Roosen noted that investors are still not actively invested in the resource sector, despite a yawning gap between where governments want to get for critical minerals and what's needed. 

"The pendulum needs to swing back, and I think it is," said Roosen. "It will be led by higher commodity prices. 

Coverage of THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

The Madsen project is unusual since a lot of work can be done in parallel, speeding up time to production, said Gwen Preston, vice president of investor relations at West Red Lake Gold Mines. 

Preston spoke to Kitco Mining in early June at THE Mining Investment Event of the North in Quebec City.

West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV: WRLG) is advancing its Madsen gold mine in the Red Lake gold district of Ontario. The mine was previously owned by defunct PureGold, and Madsen has had over $350 million in investment. Infrastructure includes a brand-new mill that can 800 tonnes per day with a tailings facility that has capacity. There are two ramp portals and a 1,275m shaft. The mill was constructed and commissioned in 2020.

Madsen is located in a storied mining district. The Red Lake gold district of Northwest Ontario has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the world’s richest gold deposits. 

Preston said the company has attracted a lot of mine builders, such as Anthony Makuch and Duncan Middlemiss​. The company’s CEO is Shane Williams. 

"Our goal is to have this mine turned on in the second half of next year," said Preston. "To get there, there's the usual path to turning a mine on, which is resource studies, permitting, feasibility study, engineering, financing, start construction, and then turn it on.”

“We're doing things all in parallel, and that's because a huge amount of this mine is already built."

Coverage of THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Optionality is a key upside to the royalty and streaming business, said David Cole, president and CEO at EMX Royalty. 

On Thursday Cole spoke to Kitco Mining at THE Mining Investment Event of the North in Quebec City.

EMX Royalty (TSX-V:EMX, NYSE AMERICAN:EMX) is a precious and base metals royalty company. The company's two flagship operations are Caserones in Chile operated by Lundin Mining, and Timok in Serbia operated by Zijin Mining. In 2024 the company expects to have 11,000 to 14,000 of gold equivalent ounces and between $22,000,000 to $27,500,000 in revenue. 

"I've said for years that we're going to become a cash cow. We have actually done that, and it's great to see the assets populating and moving up towards the top of the pyramid and establishing that recurring cash flow," said Cole. 

Cole said exposure to quality assets gives the company upside. 

"Royalties are phenomenal financial instruments," said Cole. "It's because of their embedded optionality. We all want to be exposed to commodity price optionality.

Cole said the biggest driver of optionality upside is exploration and discovery. 

"If you own a royalty on a deposit, and it's getting near the end of its life, and [the operator] find a whole other deposit of equal size or greater, you know you're in the money, and that happens repeatedly throughout the world."

Coverage of the THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Funding for critical mineral projects by private companies is taking time to arrive, said Jamie Strauss, founder and CEO of Digbee.

Strauss spoke to Kitco Mining on Tuesday at THE Mining Investment Event of the North in Quebec City.

Digbee helps companies measure, manage and disclose their ESG ratings. They also offer mining data analysis. 

Western governments have implemented critical mineral strategies with the goal to reduce reliance on single-source suppliers, particularly those with geopolitical risks. In August 2022 the Biden administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which provided funds for domestic energy production that promoted clean energy.

Government funding is there, but private funding is lacking, noted Stauss. He said that the capital base for the miners has fallen about 75% in the past two decades. The recent bull market in some metals like copper should spur investment. 

"There's still some inertia...in terms of getting this capital moving despite the urgency of critical minerals," said Strauss. "We're not quite there yet, but it's definitely coming."

Coverage of the THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Developing critical mineral resiliency is absolutely critical, said Gary Stanley, founder and managing director of Global Mineral Strategies.

In early June Stanley spoke to Kitco Mining at THE Mining Investment Event of the North in Quebec City. He was joined by the CEO of  @firstphosphate , John Passalacqua. Stanley is also on the advisory board of First Phosphate. 

The shine has come off critical minerals compared to the start of the decade. Lithium prices traded up 10x before crashing. Electric vehicles are in a sales slump. Passalacqua said that volatility is expected. 

"Eventually all these materials are going to be needed," said Passalacqua. "There will be dips along the road. The trend is bullish."

First Phosphate (CSE: PHOS) is a mineral development company with plans to produce phosphate for the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery industry. First Phosphate holds over 1,500 sq. km of royalty-free district-scale land claims in the Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean Region of Quebec, Canada. First Phosphate properties consist of anorthosite igneous phosphate rock that generally yields high purity phosphate material. The company says that the rock is devoid of high concentrations of harmful elements.

Stanley was with the U.S. Department of Commerce before founding Global Mineral Strategies.  Stanley was lead author of the 2019 US Federal Critical Minerals Strategy. He said Western countries outside China need their own critical mineral supply chains. 

"It has to happen," said Stanley. "There has to be the kind of commitment necessary to make these supply chains not only stood up, but sustainable long term. There's going to be a premium that has to be paid for that because you're never going to be able to price compete against China. It's really incumbent upon countries like Canada and the United States to stay resilient in this process."

Coverage of the THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Investors are not placing much value in resource companies despite the jump in metal prices, said Richard Carleton, CEO of the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

Carleton spoke to Kitco Mining in early June at THE Mining Investment Event of the North in Quebec City.

The  @CSETV has offices in Vancouver and Toronto. The company has over 800 listings. 

Gold has hit several all-time highs in 2024, but resource companies are not seeing much of a lift, noted Carleton. 

"The index of gold exploration companies, even the later stage companies that have extended their projects to quite a considerable degree...still haven't gotten the love from the markets in terms of the valuations at this point," said Carleton. 

In the spring, the Canadian federal government proposed a rise in the capital gains tax. Starting June 25, the capital gains inclusion rate would be increased from one-half to two-thirds for capital gains of over $250,000 per year for Canadians, and on all capital gains for corporations and most types of trusts, according to a statement by the Canadian finance ministry. 

Carleton said the proposed changes will have “a devastating impact on flow-through financing and other means of direct investment into exploration and mining” in Canada.

Coverage of the THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Gold miners could use a little more conviction in the product they sell, said Frank Holmes, CEO and chief investment officer at  @USGlobalInvestors .

In early June, Holmes spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Gold has been hitting all-time highs in 2024, but the gold mining companies have lagged behind. The GDX, the gold mining index, is only up 12% year-to-date. Some enthusiasm for the metal the miners produce could help, said Holmes. 

Holmes said gold miners are holding less gold on their books, unlike cryptocurrency companies.

"I think gold miners—like Bitcoin miners—have to show investors their conviction that they really like the product, and that they're going to own it," said Holmes. "You have many more crypto mining companies [that] actually own Bitcoin." 

Coverage of the THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

British Columbia's northwest is seeing heightened interest from resource companies, said Ken Konkin, CEO and president of Tudor Gold.

In early June Konkin spoke to Kitco Mining at THE Mining Investment Event of the North in Quebec City. 

 @tudorgoldcorp.1829   (TSX:TUD) is an exploration and development company advancing its Treaty Creek gold and copper project, situated in the Golden Triangle. Treaty Creek project hosts the Goldstorm deposit, which the company says is one of the largest gold discoveries in the last three decades.

The Golden Triangle is seeing renewed focus, says Konkin, due to the infrastructure and safe jurisdiction, as well as the many development projects that are advancing in B.C. The world's largest gold miner, Newmont, has made the region a top priority since taking out Newcrest and acquiring both its Pretium and Red Chris mining operations in the Golden Triangle. 

"Clearly, there's blood in the water," said Konkin. 

Coverage of the THE Mining Investment Event of the North is sponsored by EMX Royalty.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Discovery Silver (TSX: DSV; OTCQX: DSVSF) President & CEO Tony Makuch joins Kitco Mining at the 2025 NBC Capital Markets CEO Mining Conference to break down Discovery’s dramatic transformation. The acquisition of Newmont’s Porcupine complex has turned the company from a silver developer into a cash-flowing, Ontario-based gold producer with major growth potential. Makuch says the deal “unlocks a lot of potential,” describing Porcupine as a platform for long-term growth.

Makuch confirms the company generated free cash flow in both Q2 and Q3 and outlines a multiyear plan to double production at Porcupine. Work continues in parallel at Cordero in Mexico, where technical studies and permitting remain on track. “We’re not sitting on our hands,” he says, stressing that Discovery is prioritizing growth over dividends or buybacks while the company builds toward its full potential.

In this interview, Tony Makuch also discusses:
 • How Discovery plans to double Porcupine production and expand mill capacity
 • The four-pillar value model: operations, reinvestment, new mines, exploration
 • Dome and TVZ as major catalysts within a 15-million-ounce resource base
 • Progress on Cordero permitting and updated engineering work
 • Financing options for Cordero and long-term capital strategy
 • Positioning the company for growth in a $4,000 gold, $50 silver environment

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitco Mining & Kitco News YouTube channels for more coverage from the 2025 NBC Capital Markets CEO Mining Conference.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Agnico Eagle, for making this coverage possible. Visit https://agnicoeagle.com/ to learn more.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Greenstone Mine is very rare asset, said Greg Smith, president and CEO of Equinox Gold. 

On Thursday Smith spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Equinox Gold (TSX: EQX) is a Canadian mining company with seven operating mines. The company is forecasting 780,000 ounces of gold production in 2024 at an all-in sustaining cost between $1,565 to $1,675 per ounce. 

This month the company announced first pour at Greenstone Mine, what the company calls its flagship asset. When operating at capacity, the Greenstone Mine is expected to produce approximately 400,000 ounces of gold annually for the first five years, and average 360,000 ounces of gold per year for its initial 14-year mine life, making Greenstone one of Canada’s largest gold mines, according to Equinox. Last month Equinox Gold paid $995 million to acquire Orion’s 40% interest in the Greenstone Mine. 

"Greenstone is a large-scale gold mine in Canada—large reserve, lots of potential in the open pit and the underground," said Smith. "Those types of assets are very rare, especially with that kind of production profile."

So far gold mining equities haven't had that big a run in 2024 despite the metal hitting several all-time highs. The GDX, an index of gold miners, is only up 16% year to date. Smith said huge demand for just physical gold in Asia has been driving up the price of the metal, which also explains part of the disconnect with the miners. With inflation starting to tamp down, margin expansion at the gold miners should spark interest in the sector. 

"We're seeing inflation easing off," noted Smith. "The gold price is running, and the operating gold companies are going to produce a lot of cash flow."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Minera Alamos will see a big step up in production over the next handful of years, said Doug Ramshaw, the company's director and president. 

On Tuesday Ramshaw spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Minera Alamos (TSX.V: MAI) is a Mexican-focused gold miner. The company's expertise is in heap leach operations. Its Santana operation will produce 2,000 ounces this year. The company's two other projects, Cerro De Oro and La Fortuna, are scheduled to start production over the next few years. The company expects to be producing 140,000 ounces annually by 2027. 

Ramshaw said Minera Alamos is built to operate in a low-cost environment. 

"Build mines that can work in whatever gold price environment is thrown at you," said Ramshaw. 

Ramshaw was surprised by gold's move. He expected gold to go up in 2024, but towards the end of the year. The metal has already hit several all-time highs. 

"I think there's still probably upside on gold," said Ramshaw. "If you're building mines that can't make money at these prices, then you're probably building the wrong kinds of mines."

Ramshaw has 25 years as a mineral analyst and mining executive. He was a former director of Great Bear Resource, which was acquired for $1.8 billion. 

Ramshaw said that Mexico is a very prospective country to operate. 

"We want to build many more mines in Mexico."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

As more money comes into mining, this will push dollars down to the juniors, said David Garofalo, chair and CEO of GoldRoyalty.

Garofalo has a multi-decade career leading large mining companies. He was CEO of Goldcorp prior to its sale to Newmont for about $10 billion in 2019. He was also CEO of Hudbay Minerals. Garofalo is now at GoldRoyalty (NYSE:GROY), a streaming and royalty company. Some of its key assets are the Odyssey Mine, the Cote gold project and the Borborema project. The company forecasts revenue of about $15 million mid-decade, growing to three times that level by 2029. 

Garofalo spoke to Kitco Mining on May 21. He said that despite gold hitting several all-time highs this year and copper futures hitting their own record last week, gold equities are still underperforming. 

"We're starting to see profitability and margins starting to expand," said Garofalo. "But the big overhang for the producer universe is the fact that reserves have been declining steadily for a dozen years. We haven't seen the leverage to the gold price that equity should be providing."

Garofalo said broader interest in resources is needed for the sector to be healthy again. He believes a good Q2 performance by the major gold miners resulting from high metal prices and better cost control could see generalists return to the sector. 

"I know the juniors are waiting for the seniors," said Garofalo. "Hopefully [we] see some generalist capital come into the space and buy the most liquid names. If that happens, the specialists who are kind of hiding out among the large caps will start to come down the food chain and start to invest in juniors.

Mining needs more money coming into the sector, he said. 

"The specialists have been hiding out because they face significant redemption pressure, so they've had to stay in large liquid names,” said Garofalo. “But when generals start coming in and displacing them, then we'll start to see some risk capital put the work in the juniors. And that's an existential necessity for the industry."

Garofalo said the uptick in mining M&A points to a poor pipeline of projects. 

"Juniors have had very inconsistent access to capital, and they're the ones that do all the heavy lifting when it comes to grassroots exploration," said Garofalo. "They make the major discoveries. The bigger producers build and operate those mines, but they don't discover them. And that's resulted in a 40 percent decline in gold reserves over the last dozen years. So, you have a shrinking pie, and that's led to cannibalization. That's led to merger activity."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Gold has hit several all-time highs this year, but the metal has further to go, said Simon Marcotte, president and CEO of Northern Superior Resources. 

Last week Marcotte spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Marcotte attributes the recent rise in gold prices to central bank buying and increased demand from Asia, particularly due to the weakening yen. He predicts that as real rates decline, gold will gain further momentum, leading to increased equity valuations in the sector.

"I don't even think this is the first inning," said Marcotte. "We're going to see gold do well. Gold is going up right now because central banks are buying...and also there's been a lot of the Asian demand for gold. [The yen] is deflating very rapidly. I don't want to say it's collapsing, but it's breaking down. The central bank of Japan is having a hard time maintaining its currency. 

"Real rates starts going down, and that's where the equity price will play catch up. [The] real estate market is not going to be able to sustain higher rates, therefore real rates go down and gold goes up."

Marcotte also talked about the recent surge in M&A activity in the mining sector, driven by increased profitability and the need for larger companies to replenish reserves. Marcotte sees this trend as indicative of a new commodity cycle and a positive outlook for the industry.

Northern Superior Resources (TSX-V: SUP) is a Quebec-focused company with the goal of consolidating the Chibougamau gold camp. The company has a land package of about 62,000 hectares. The company also spun off a new business, ONGold Resources that is focused on the TPK property in Ontario. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Big mining deals are going to bring needed attention to the mining sector and build more enthusiasm, noted Adam Lundin, chair of Lundin Group. 

This week Adam spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Earlier this month BHP Group announced a surprise takeover bid for Anglo American valued at over $31 billion. 

"When you see blockbuster news like that, it's hard not to get excited," said Lundin. "I think M&A can be good for the sector, and I think it [brings] a lot of attention to the space and gets more eyeballs on it. Let's stay tuned and see how it plays out."

The Lundin Group's Lundin Mining (TSE:LUN) is up 62% year to date this year with a market cap of $13.6 billion thanks to a run in copper and other metals. The company is expected to produce between 366,000 to 400,000 tonnes of copper and between 155,000 to 170,000 ounces of gold in 2024. 

Ludin Mining has a healthy pipeline. The Lundin's Josemaria project is to be developed as a large-scale open pit mining operation. As currently envisaged, over 1 billion tonnes of ore will be mined at average diluted head grades of approximately 0.30% copper, 0.22 g/t gold and a strip ratio of 0.98 over a 19-year mine life.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Copper projects pose substantial hurdles for development, said Alistair Waddell, president and CEO of Inflection Resources. 

In early May Waddell spoke to Kitco Mining at Deutsche Goldmesse in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Inflection Resources (CSE:AUCU) is a copper and gold company focused on eastern Australia. It is exploring Macquarie Arc in New South Wales. The company also has an Anglogold Ashanti partnership. 

Waddell said spurring copper project development is challenging. 

There's a lack of funding for copper exploration because it can be expensive, time-consuming and requires large land positions in sometimes challenging jurisdictions, noted Waddell. Exploring for porphyries requires a lot of time, money, and drilling which can be difficult for junior mining companies.

Higher copper prices are starting spur companies. Interest in the sector is even coming from traditionally gold-focused companies.

Coverage of Deutsche Goldmesse is sponsored by Dynacor. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Mining has to do more work to attract investors, said Joanna Ponicka, vice president of exploration at Equivest. 

In early May Ponicka spoke to Kitco Mining at Deutsche Goldmesse at Frankfurt, Germany. 

Ponicka said the mining sector has a perception problem and that is leading to less funding. A lack of investment in grassroots exploration is leading to a shortage of new discoveries. 

"As a prospect generator, we definitely see less money in the industry to do early-stage exploration," said Ponicka. "Early-stage exploration is where most of our discoveries come from."

Ponicka said the industry is going through a "pretty dry period." Ponicka said that technology and cryptocurrencies hold more appeal for younger investors.

"This year there is very little testing new ideas and drilling. I think the entire industry is suffering.  It's such a traditional industry. It's also a very risky industry. 

Possible solutions are adopting a more modern style of communication, perhaps with more of a focus on social media, suggested Ponicka. Communications need to be more engaging and less corporate, as well as targeted to shorter attention spans.

She also said that more focus on education and success stories could help to attract new capital to the sector. Lastly, sector events need to innovate to become more engaging and educational. Visual representations of projects and teaching investors how to understand good results could be two beneficial tactics.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

While central bank buying has been supportive of gold prices, interest rate cuts later this year could send the metal higher, said Jeff Clark, editor of the TheGoldAdvisor.com. 

In early May Clark spoke to Kitco Mining at Deutsche Goldmesse in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Gold has hit several all-time highs this attributed to strong central bank buying. 

"This could be a banner year for central bank gold buying," said Clark. "In my humble opinion, that is not why the gold price is higher. I think central bank gold buying actually supports the price though. It's just an important component of this market. "

Clark said central bank buying has reached a "crescendo" after 15 years of increased spend on gold. Clark said that interest rate cuts by the Fed could be a real impetus for the metal. 

"$2, 500 is easily within reach this year," said Clark. 

While gold prices are rising, gold equities haven't shown the same level of growth yet, noted Clark. He said this lag is typical in bull markets, and money is expected to flow into the sector soon.

Mergers and acquisitions are increasing due to limited exploration and development in recent years make M&A a more attractive option than starting from scratch. Clark said M&A activity will likely continue and even accelerate.

Surprisingly, copper hasn't seen the same level of excitement as gold, noted Clark, despite the growing need for copper in green energy initiatives.

"Every week there's a new chart about the deficit that's coming in copper," said Clark. "Take the average of those, and even if that was only half right, that's still a lot of copper that's going to be needed. And so, the rush into copper really hasn't happened yet. And that is something as an investor, I like to hear."

Coverage of Deutsche Goldmesse sponsored by Dynacor. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

While the Federal Reserve is delaying rate cuts due to inflation, the economy is still getting lots of support, noted Eric Strand, founder and portfolio manager of AuAg Funds. 

In early May Strand spoke to Kitco Mining at Deutsche Goldmesse. 

Strand believes central bank buying, signs of continued monetary easing, and the massive deficits incurred by the U.S. are primary drivers behind gold's surge. 

"Even if we don't have seen the rates coming down, the Fed has been doing some kind of backdoor quantitative easing," said Strand, who noted that the monetary base is going up and the U.S. is running big deficits. "It's a very expense economy. The lower rates are coming, and the market can see it."

While he initially predicted a target of around $2,475, he now believes gold could climb even higher this year, given the market momentum. Strand also points to increased geopolitical risks and the weaponization of the U.S. dollar as reasons why central banks, especially in BRICS nations, are turning to gold as a safe haven asset. When comparing gold's price even at $4,000 per ounce to the combined U.S. debt and federal reserve balance sheet, he argues that gold is still undervalued and therefore likely to continue climbing.

While gold equities haven't mirrored the bullish price movement, Strand expects significant leverage, margin expansion, and strong performance for the remainder of the year, possibly even hitting triple-digit gains. However, he notes the lack of investment in exploration remains a long-term concern and could impact supply down the road.

Coverage of Deutsche Goldmesse is sponsored by Dynacor. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Despite high yields and a strong U.S. dollar, gold is moving higher because of the compelling macro picture, said Brien Lundin, editor of the Gold Newsletter. 

In early May Lundin spoke to Kitco Mining at Deutsche Goldmesse in Frankfurt, Germany. 

He called the rally surprising and believes it is driven by a combination of factors, including central bank buying, strong demand from China, increased buying from hedge funds and growing unease about global debt levels. 

"The buying has been strong despite rising yields and strong dollar," said Lundin. "You see big money moving into the sector, and I think it's [due to] the general macro picture out there."

Investors are shifting allocations toward gold as a hedge against fiat currency risks, said Lundin. 

The Federal Reserve is expected to start cutting interest rates, which would be a major catalyst for this gold, but Lundin said big money has already pricing in that eventuality. He sees a fundamental shift with gold acting as a safe haven in an unstable global economy. Lundin believes gold could reach much higher levels, potentially mirroring the 5x to 8x price increases seen in previous bull markets.

One risk factor is the possibility that gold may have already priced in the expected Fed pivot. Lundin believes gold stocks are undervalued because investors both missed the dip while waiting for a correction and don't fully understand what's driving the rally. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

West Point Gold (TSXV: WPG; OTCQB: WPGCF) CEO Quentin Mai says the company’s latest drill results confirm the scale and grade potential of its Gold Chain Project in Arizona’s Walker Lane trend. Speaking with Kitco Mining’s Investment Trends, Mai said the team believes it is chasing “a world-class deposit,” citing an October intercept of 32 meters grading 3.17 g/t gold, part of a structure that has returned up to 9 meters of 51 g/t gold.

He said the Tyro Main Zone is just the start of a 15-kilometer mineralized system, which his team calls the “obvious target” within a broader district-scale play. Early metallurgy confirms oxide mineralization from surface, suggesting the deposit could be amenable to heap leaching, a key economic advantage in Arizona.

Backed by an $8 million financing led by VanEck, West Point is drilling the Tyro Main and South zones as part of a 10,000-meter program aimed at defining a maiden resource early next year. “We’re applying the same playbook that built Corvus, but in one of the best jurisdictions in North America,” Mai said.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Central bank buyers could be less sensitive to higher gold prices, said Aakash Doshi, NAM Head of Commodities Research at Citi. 

On Tuesday, Doshi spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Jewelry fabrication typically represents about 50% of the gold market, with the rest of the demand coming from investing, central banks and industrial uses. 

“Historically, the demand side of the ledger has been driven and led by jewelry demand. Consumption could be as high as 50% or 55% for gold jewelry,” said Doshi. “[That] started to shift over the last 10 to 15 years. It really started with the Great Financial Crisis. So, for four decades prior to the GFC and following the Nixon shock, central banks were net sellers of gold. They provided net supply to the market. After the GFC period, you saw central banks emerge as net buyers.”

Doshi said central banks have been buying more gold. central banks are now consuming over 1,000 tons per annum, said Doshi. 

“This is supply being taken out of the market. And from a mine production standpoint, that now represents [up to] 28% of annual mine production”

In the past, higher metal prices have led to jewelers curtailing demand. However, central banks may be less price sensitive. Doshi said the buying by the banks is more “strategic,” and the central banks could be “... among the most price inelastic buyers.” 

In a research note Doshi predicted that gold could reach $3,000 per ounce by 2025. Doshi attributes this potential surge to strong investor demand, particularly in physical gold, evidenced by a significant increase in bar and coin sales since the onset of the pandemic. He also notes record-level purchases by central banks, particularly those in emerging markets, as a contributing factor to this upward trend.

Despite a 20% increase in gold prices since February, Doshi emphasizes that it hasn't been driven by typical factors such as a weaker dollar or lower interest rates. He argues that the bullish outlook for gold is primarily due to the convergence of strong physical demand and the anticipation of financial macro factors catching up. Central bank purchases have not only set a higher price floor for gold but also stabilized its volatility.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Mining equity investors need to be patient, said Lobo Tiggre, editor of the IndependentSpeculator.com. 

In early May Tiggre spoke to Kitco correspondent Paul Harris at Deutsche Goldmesse held in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Tiggre noted the disconnect between high metal prices and mining equities that are not performing as well as they should. 

Gold has hit several all-time highs in 2024, but the gold miners, measured by the GDX, are only up 12% this year and well-off highs hit early this decade. 

Tiggre notes that the key appeal of mining stocks is their leverage to rising metal prices. With strong gold prices, the underperformance of mining stocks has been a source of frustration.

“If the metal goes up and your stocks are still in the doghouse…something is wrong,” said Tiggre. “Why take the risk if you were better off just buying the metal?”

Tiggre believes mining stocks still have room for significant growth, even if the recent surge was not based on the fundamental factors he anticipated. He expects the market to realize the undervaluation of mining stocks compared to gold, leading to upward price movements in the sector.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

A general mining recovery begins with producers, said George Salamis executive chair of Integra Resources ( @integraresourcescorp.1721 )    

On Tuesday Salamis spoke to Kitco Mining. 

Integra Resources is focused on the Great Basin of the Western USA. The company has two flagship oxide heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar project located in southwestern Idaho and the Nevada North project in Nevada.

The Nevada projects came to Integra after a merger with Millennial in 2023. In 2024 Integra will be working on a feasibility study for DeLamar, as well as drafting its permits. 

A recent flurry of M&A and gold hitting record highs have all been good for the resource sector, but there is still a long road to recovery. The gold miner index (GDX) is up only 13% year to date and still well below highs earlier this decade. 

"There's been a lot of value destruction in the last four years in the mining space," said Salamis. "There's a bit of a crisis of confidence in the way investors look at the mining sector. A lot of that I
believe is related to hindsight: inflationary pressure and compression of margins."

In last few years, miners benefited from high metal prices, but energy and labor costs squeezed margins. When miners can control costs, Salamis sees a recovery.  

"I think what it's going to take to turn that around is we need to see the producers start to make real money. The gold price is going to help that. Finally, they'll start producing real cash."

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.