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There was just one commodity which held its own – and strengthened – during the most devastating financial crisis in the world’s history: Gold. Reaching new heights of more than $US1,220 per ounce towards the end of 2009, this stellar performance did not go unnoticed by the global mining industry.
And as access to debt funding for mining projects became more accessible at the end of 2009, gold mine developments and expansions received the closest attention from the banks and financial markets. Whether developments were taking place in Western Australia or West Africa, if gold was the commodity seeking funding, term sheets were more readily put in place for the yellow metal than any other mineral.
Merger and acquisition activity, as a consequence, became rampant. And, at the same time, small and large operators moved quickly to produce ounces in the high-price environment.
Exploration, too, which tailed off so dramatically during the height of the global financial crisis, is once again being fed by larger budgets. Initial public offerings for small gold hopefuls began to re-emerge – and they found support from markets, and mums and dads, who were shrugging off the gloom.
Paydirt’s Gold Conference has, for many years, been the forum for the club-like gold mining industry and this year the event will be held on March 15 and 16 at the Sheraton Perth Hotel. It represents a great opportunity to present your story, sell your products and, most importantly, to do those deals which are simply waiting in the wings.
Opportunities for presentations and exhibition are now open. For further details contact Kalé Nakazwe.
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Mining executives 
