Digging Deep

Can the U.S. mining sector survive without China’s rare earth processing power? In the latest episode of Digging Deep, Nicole Adshead-Bell, Director at Cupel Advisory, joins Kitco’s Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris to break down the latest developments in the mining sector amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade wars. From Trump’s sweeping tariffs and China’s dominance in mineral processing to Barrick’s high-risk Reko Diq project and growing M&A activity, Adshead-Bell offers sharp insights on global supply chains, resource nationalism, and the bull case for gold equities. Plus, she discusses the strategic importance of rare earth elements and the critical need for smelting and refining capacity in North America.

Key points:
- Trump’s tariffs risk escalating trade wars and disrupting global supply chains.
- China’s dominance in mineral processing is a major vulnerability for the West.
- Gold equities still undervalued despite strong gold prices; M&A is heating up.
- Barrick’s Reko Diq project carries major security risks despite huge upside.
- Revival Gold, Hot Chili, and others show strategic moves amid shifting investor focus.

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.

Is gold's $3,000 breakout the spark for a new M&A boom in mining? Neil Adshead, Consultant Analyst at the Commodity Discovery Fund, joins Kitco's Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris to break down the latest deals, including Gold Fields' bid for Gold Road, and what this means for the gold bull cycle. Adshead also weighs in on Trump's executive order to boost U.S. mineral production and whether it will truly speed up permitting. Plus, reaction to New Found Gold's maiden resource estimate and what it signals for exploration hype.

Key points:
- Gold M&A heats up in Australia; confidence high in mid-tier producers
- Trump's executive order may not fix deep permitting delays in the U.S.
- New Found Gold's resource disappoints after major drilling spend
- Canadian reforms respond to U.S. policy moves, but impact remains unclear
- Copper tariffs could drive U.S. inflation, not domestic production

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.

Why are gold stocks finally catching fire – and what took so long? Gold has surged to $3,000/oz, sparking breakouts in mining stocks and renewed investor interest. Kitco’s Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris interviews John Feneck, CEO of the Feneck Commodities Report. In this latest Digging Deep episode, Feneck breaks down the market’s reaction, discusses the latest M&A moves, and why copper is finally getting its moment. He also shares insights on navigating junior mining stocks and gives a sneak peek into his upcoming investor conferences.

Key points:
- Gold hits $3,000 as markets lose $5 trillion in value
- GDX and GDXJ break resistance, miners gaining momentum
- M&A heats up with deals in Australia, Guyana, and Finland
- Copper sees breakout rally after Trump tariff talk
- Feneck previews boutique investor conferences in Florida and Atlanta

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.

What does the Equinox Gold and Calibre Mining mega-merger mean for your gold investments? Kitco’s Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris interviews Joe Mazumdar, Editor of Exploration Insights, at the 2025 PDAC conference in Toronto, Canada. In this episode of Digging Deep Mazumdar shares his recent experiences in Africa, discussing resource nationalism in West Africa and promising developments elsewhere. The interview also delves into the recent Equinox Gold and Calibre Mining merger, analyzing its implications for the gold sector. Finally, Mazumdar provides his expert perspective on the potential impact of US tariffs on copper and the broader mining industry.

Key points:
- Concerns over resource nationalism and security risks in West Africa are making other regions more attractive for investment.
- The Equinox Gold and Calibre Mining merger is a significant scaling move with both potential benefits and risks for shareholders.
- Potential US tariffs on copper could benefit domestic cathode producers but might increase overall mining costs due to tariffs on steel and Chinese equipment.
- Geopolitical risks and potential tariff impacts are creating uncertainty in the base and industrial metals markets.
- The current sentiment at PDAC is more industry-focused, with increased M&A and exploration alliances expected.

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.

Are mining companies finally delivering the returns investors have been waiting for? Discover how margin expansion in the gold sector is changing the game. Kitco’s Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris interviews Nicole Adshead-Bell, Director at Cupel Advisory, about the 2024 financial results for mining companies. They discuss Agnico Eagle Mines' record margins and Newmont's all-in sustaining costs decreasing. Adshead-Bell shares insights on shareholder returns, M&A activity in the gold and copper spaces, and challenges in the copper developer space. She also touches on Barrick Gold potentially re-domiciling and financings in the mining sector.

Key Points:
- Gold sector margin expansion is reigniting investor interest.
- Companies are increasing returns to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.
- M&A activity is expected to continue in the gold and copper sectors.
- Copper developers are currently undervalued.
- Canadian government criticized for its stance on Chinese investment in the resource sector.

00:00 Introduction: Financial Results Overview
00:59 Gold Sector Performance and Investor Interest
02:30 Company Highlights and Shareholder Returns
05:09 Copper Market Insights and M&A Activity
09:38 Challenges in the Mining Sector
19:09 Upcoming Conferences 

Follow Paul Harris on X: @PaulHarrisGold (https://x.com/paulharrisgold) 
Follow Kitco Mining on X: @KitcoMining(https://x.com/kitcomining) 

#mining #investing #gold #copper #stocks

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.

What’s copper's real story and what are the forces driving the market? In this episode of Digging Deep, Kitco’s Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris interviews Christopher Ecclestone, Principal and Mining Strategist at Hallgarten & Company, about the factors influencing gold prices. Ecclestone shares his insights on taking profits in gold and the importance of dividends from gold companies. They also discuss copper's supply and demand dynamics, the potential of tungsten and antimony as critical metals, and Almonte's position as a tungsten producer. Finally, they touch on McEwen Copper project in Argentina and the country's large investment incentive regime.

Key points:
- Gold market: Evaluating current prices and profit-taking strategies.
- Copper outlook: Supply, demand, and breaking free from energy transition narratives.
- Tungsten and antimony: China's influence and growing interest in niche metals.
- Mining company strategies: Dividends, share buybacks, and capital allocation.
- Argentina's mining sector: Investment incentives and project developments.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Revival Gold, for making this coverage possible. Visit https://revival-gold.com/ to learn more. 

00:00 Introduction: Gold Market Analysis
03:56 Gold Producers' Performance
05:07 Challenges in the Mining Industry
13:14 Copper Market and Argentina's Investment
26:56 Specialty Metals: Tungsten and Antimony

Follow Paul Harris on X: @PaulHarrisGold (https://x.com/paulharrisgold) 
Follow Kitco Mining on X: @KitcoMining (https://x.com/kitcomining) 

#mining #gold #investing #copper

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.

How will President Trump's policies specifically affect the mining industry, and which companies are best positioned to capitalize on these changes? In this episode of Kitco Mining's Digging Deep, John Feneck, founder and CEO of the Feneck Commodities Report, discusses the current state of the mining and commodities markets. Feneck speaks with Kitco Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris to share his insights on how President Trump's policies are impacting the mining sector, particularly regarding critical minerals and domestic production. The discussion also covers gold's potential, the disconnect between gold prices and gold stocks, and the possibility of increased M&A activity in the mining sector. Feneck also touches on the tech market and its potential impact on the broader economy and investment landscape.

Key Points:
- Trump's Pro-Mining Stance: The new administration's focus on increasing domestic energy and critical mineral production through executive orders
- Critical Mineral Focus: The importance of companies producing defense minerals like antimony and tungsten
- Gold Market Dynamics: Despite gold prices nearing $2,800 per ounce, many gold stocks are struggling to keep pace
- M&A Potential: With Newmont completing its mine divestiture program, there are numerous companies seeking assets
- Importance of Communication & Planning: The need for junior mining companies to clearly communicate their business plans

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.

Is the mining industry on the verge of a new M&A cycle? Nicole Adshead-Bell, Director of Cupel Advisory, speaks with Kitco Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris on the sidelines of the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC). They delve into the latest trends in the mining and exploration sector, discussing everything from global investment shifts to specific company strategies. Nicole shares her insights on the challenges faced by junior mining companies, the importance of long-term investment horizons, and the potential for mergers and acquisitions in the mining sector. They also discuss the impact of government policies, permitting issues, and the significance of a company's cost profile on its share price. Tune in for an in-depth conversation about the current state of the mining industry and what to expect in the year ahead.

Key Topics:
- Shifting Investment Landscape: The mining world is seeing a potential move towards Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, with investors showing interest in longer-term investments.
- Challenges for Junior Miners: Despite high commodity prices, junior mining companies are finding it difficult to raise capital.
- M&A and Growth: The industry is entering a phase where investors are seeking growth, which will likely lead to increased mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity.
- Permitting and Government Influence: The permitting process in many countries can be challenging due to bureaucracy, and governments can greatly impact the investability of a region.
- Importance of Mining Expertise on Boards: There is a need for more mining industry experience on the boards of mining companies to have robust strategic discussions

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.

With gold prices at record levels, the September quarter will post the highest average quarterly gold price ever, and “significant margin expansion,” said Neil Adshead, consultant analyst at the Commodities Discovery Fund. 

This week Kitco correspondent Paul Harris recorded Digging Deep with Adshead.

“It'll be great to see two or three gold mining companies far exceed the expectations of what the sell-side analysts are projecting. There'll be some bumper profits and that will definitely draw some investors into the sector. Normally, during the happy days, the maximum margins you see are in the 40% range. If we start to see a few of the higher-grade producers generating +50% margins, that would be spectacular,” said Adshead.

Investors are starting to warm to the gold equities again with the GDX index fund up 35% year-to-date. However, with most companies still trading at less than 1x their net asset value (NAV), Adshead believes there is more share price growth to come.

“When I first started as an investment analyst, some of the hot producers of the day were trading at 2.5x NAV. To see those multiples again would be remarkable. There is certainly a lot of room for some of these producers to trade up,” said Adshead.

Adshead also spoke of he would like to see gold companies allocate the additional funds they are earning to mine expansions, building new mines and acquiring new projects to build.

While a number of large financings have been announced, Adshead said it is still a selective market. The sector is not yet frothy enough to be writing checks carte blanche to juniors. 

“We are actually in a pretty good market for financing, but it is not like every junior can raise whatever dollars they want," said Adshead. "I quite like that as in a peak bull market is when you also get peak capital misallocation: when a lot of companies get money that shouldn't be getting money in the first place, or companies take far too much money than what they really need and end up wasting it,” he said.

Adshead also commented on the Guyana Shield as a hot exploration region, Iceberg’s shorting report on Newfound Gold’s Queensway orogenic gold deposit in Newfoundland, Canada, NGEx Minerals plan for its largest ever drill program at its Lunawasi copper discovery in San Juan, Argentina, a new president in Mexico and the outlook for uranium.

Digging Deep is brought to you by Revival Gold. Revival Gold is one of the largest, pure gold, mine developers in the United States. The Company is advancing engineering and economic studies on the Mercur Gold Project in Utah and mine permitting preparations and ongoing exploration at the Beartrack-Arnett Gold Project located in Idaho. Revival Gold is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol “RVG” and trades on the OTCQX Market under the ticker symbol “RVLGF”. The Company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with its exploration and development office located in Salmon, Idaho.

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.

Most resource companies lack good communication strategies, said Nicole Adshead-Bell, principal at Cupel Advisory.

This week Adshead-Bell recorded Digging Deep with Kitco Correspondent Paul Harris at the Gold Forum Americas / XPL-DEV 2024 in Colorado.

Gold is having a staller year, hitting several all-time highs, but equity performance has not matched expectations, particularly among juniors and developers. A select number of companies are doing well. Bell anticipates increased merger and acquisition (M&A) activity as companies seek growth opportunities, which would further investor interest in the resource sector.

"I think there's some bifurcation. I heard a very good description at the [Precious Metals Summit Beaver Creek] conference last week, which was 'we're in a stealth bull market.'" said Adshead-Bell. "We have gold at near record highs, and yet there's not the equity performance that one would expect when we've seen this very nice performance in the underlying gold price. We haven't got the marginal investor here, but for the first time I'm seeing generalists at this conference, and I'm getting incoming calls from generalists who are starting to look at the sector."

Bell emphasized that commodity markets, especially gold, are cyclical, and understanding the phase of the cycle is key to making informed investment decisions.

She also discussed the challenges of messaging in the mining sector, highlighting that many CEOs struggle with effective communication, which limits investor engagement. Bell observed that poor storytelling and a lack of enthusiasm from leaders are major obstacles for companies to attract investment, especially in a competitive market.

She stressed the importance of strong communication skills among executives, pointing to leaders like Robert Friedland and Rick Rule as examples of excellent communicators who successfully connect with both institutional and retail investors.

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Digging Deep is brought to you by Revival Gold. Revival Gold is one of the largest, pure gold, mine developers in the United States. The Company is advancing engineering and economic studies on the Mercur Gold Project in Utah and mine permitting preparations and ongoing exploration at the Beartrack-Arnett Gold Project located in Idaho.

Revival Gold is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol “RVG” and trades on the OTCQX Market under the ticker symbol “RVLGF”. The Company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with its exploration and development office located in Salmon, Idaho. 

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.