Mining Executives Weigh In On Gold Prices, Financing, Projects: 'We're Definitely Glad'
Portfolio Pulse from Matt Whittaker
Gold prices have reached a new record above $2,300, buoying the mood among gold miners and investors. Despite the rise, gold mining stocks like the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) and the VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) have lagged behind due to higher production costs. Companies such as Alamos Gold Inc. (AGI), Gold Royalty Corp. (GROY), NovaGold Resources Inc. (NG), Equinox Gold Corp. (EQX), Western Exploration Inc. (WEXPF), and Gold Terra Resource Corp. (YGTFF) shared optimistic views on the gold market, citing factors like government debt, geopolitical risks, and the potential for lower interest rates as drivers for higher gold prices.

April 08, 2024 | 1:59 pm
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POSITIVE IMPACT
Alamos Gold Inc. remains optimistic about gold prices, expecting record highs in the second half of the year.
AGI's optimism is based on several factors supporting gold prices, including rising government debt, central bank easing, and geopolitical risks. These factors could continue to drive gold prices higher, benefiting AGI.
CONFIDENCE 95
IMPORTANCE 85
RELEVANCE 90
POSITIVE IMPACT
Equinox Gold Corp. sees high gold prices as beneficial, especially as it progresses on budget with its Ontario project.
EQX's performance and outlook are positively impacted by high gold prices, which support the financial feasibility of its capital-intensive projects. The company's ability to stay on budget and on schedule with its Ontario project amidst rising gold prices presents a positive outlook for its stock.
CONFIDENCE 90
IMPORTANCE 80
RELEVANCE 85
POSITIVE IMPACT
The VanEck Gold Miners ETF has seen less than an 11% increase this year, lagging behind the gold price surge.
The ETF's performance is directly tied to the gold mining sector, which, despite rising gold prices, has faced challenges from increased production costs. However, if gold prices remain high and inflationary pressures ease, GDX could see improved performance as mining stocks catch up.
CONFIDENCE 90
IMPORTANCE 75
RELEVANCE 80
POSITIVE IMPACT
The VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF has gained 12.55% this year, closely following the gold price increase.
GDXJ's performance is closely aligned with junior gold miners, which are more sensitive to gold price fluctuations. The ETF's closer tracking of the gold price increase compared to GDX suggests potential for further growth, especially if gold continues its upward trajectory.
CONFIDENCE 90
IMPORTANCE 70
RELEVANCE 85
POSITIVE IMPACT
Gold Royalty Corp. offers a way to invest in gold equities without the drag of rising costs, according to CFO Andrew Gubbels.
GROY's business model of providing upfront financing for miners in exchange for future revenues or metals shields it from the operational and capital cost inflation affecting the broader mining industry. This could make GROY an attractive option for investors looking for exposure to gold without the associated risks of mining operations.
CONFIDENCE 85
IMPORTANCE 70
RELEVANCE 75
POSITIVE IMPACT
NovaGold Resources Inc. is highly leveraged to the gold price, with shares rising recently despite being down year to date.
NG's performance is closely tied to gold prices due to its leverage. Despite a year-to-date decline, recent increases in gold prices have led to a positive trend in its shares. Continued gold price increases could further benefit NG, especially if concerns around its Donlin project are addressed.
CONFIDENCE 85
IMPORTANCE 80
RELEVANCE 80
POSITIVE IMPACT
Western Exploration Inc. CEO Darcy Marud welcomed the $2,100 gold price, indicating a positive impact on the company.
WEXPF's positive reaction to the rising gold prices reflects the potential benefits for the company. As gold prices continue to rise, WEXPF could see further positive impacts, especially if the company can capitalize on the favorable market conditions.
CONFIDENCE 80
IMPORTANCE 65
RELEVANCE 70
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Gold Terra Resource Corp. faces challenges in financing for gold exploration despite higher gold prices.
Despite the upward trend in gold prices, YGTFF is facing difficulties in securing financing for exploration, indicative of broader challenges in the financing market for gold exploration. This could negatively impact YGTFF's short-term prospects, especially if the financing environment does not improve.
CONFIDENCE 85
IMPORTANCE 80
RELEVANCE 75