Video News/Digging Deep

Neil Adshead, Consulting Geologist at Commodity Discovery Fund, says the mining sector is entering a stronger organic growth phase as higher metals prices and healthier balance sheets bring long-held projects back into focus. Speaking with Kitco Mining’s Paul Harris at the 2026 Mining Forum Americas, Adshead said producers are increasing drilling while investors shift attention from shareholder returns toward production growth and cash flow per share. Adshead also said M&A remains more measured than in previous cycles, with companies favoring credible acquisitions and lower-risk internal growth. He pointed to Gold Fields’ approach to Northern Star and Barrick’s planned North American IPO as signs of an active but disciplined market. On copper, Adshead said juniors face a tougher financing environment as development costs rise and majors continue to prioritize scale.