Video News/Digging Deep

Exploration geologist Jeff Pontius says higher gold prices are improving the economics of marginal and smaller mining projects, but they do not remove execution risk. Speaking with Kitco Mining’s Digging Deep on October 15, Pontius warned that smaller developments leave “very little room for things not to go perfect,” pointing to financing, grade control and development setbacks as risks that can quickly undermine project economics. Pontius also discussed Mackay Gold & Silver’s drilling at the Comstock project, SSR Mining’s Nevada expansion, i-80 Gold’s staged development plan and Hycroft Mining’s capital and metallurgy challenges. On copper, he said “there is going to be a copper gap here” and argued that advanced projects with existing infrastructure and clearer permitting pathways are best positioned to respond. Pontius highlighted AngloGold Ashanti’s Quebradona project in Colombia and said fixed review timelines could help accelerate mine development in the U.S., Canada and other jurisdictions. SPONSORED BY KALSHI Trade the first CFTC-regulated gold and silver perpetuals in the U.S., 24/7, with no expiration date. Exclusive Kitco offer: trade $50 and get $25 free with code KT2026. (https://kalshi.com/p/KT2026) Availability varies by jurisdiction. Not available in Canada. Offer terms and eligibility apply.