Video News/Vancouver Resource Investment Conference 2026

Michael Gentile, founder of Bastion Asset Management and a strategic investor in junior mining, says the current rally in gold reflects a structural shift in demand rather than speculative excess. Speaking with Kitco Mining at the VRIC 2026, Gentile said, “it’s the first time we’ve seen both central banks and financial players buying at the same time,” describing a dual-demand dynamic that is reshaping price discovery in the gold market. Gentile said earlier gains in gold were driven primarily by central bank buying, while financial investors were largely absent. He added that junior mining stocks continue to lag metals prices, citing a persistent disconnect between physical markets and equity valuations. Gentile said improving margins, stronger balance sheets, and reopened capital markets could support valuation reratings across the sector, while greater price stability may lead to increased M&A activity as buyers and sellers align on long-term price assumptions.