From Metals Economics Group’s (MEG) Exploration Activity Services, the dollar amount of junior financings declined 24% in 2011 to $21.5 billion from $28.1 billion in 2010 and increased 12% from 2009 and 43% from 2008 totals. Of the total, financing amounts for base metals fell 32%, while the decline for gold was just 16%, mainly due to the strength of the gold market through most of the year.

The volume of financings roughly follows the rise and fall of metals prices. As gold prices increased through most of 2011, so did investor interest, and after a slow start to the year, financings increased in number and size. Gold financings increased in six of the twelve months. Copper prices decreased through much of 2011, as did base metals financings altogether. The 410 base metals financings of $2 million or more in 2011 was a slight increase from 395 in 2010, albeit at a smaller average amount, and indicates a sustained recovery from the low numbers and dollar amounts seen in 2008 and 2009.

From the article entitled, “Metals Economics Group Strategic Report: Junior Financings Review, 2012” by Metals Economics Group. Metals Economics Group (MEG) is a trusted source of global mining information and analysis. With three decades of comprehensive information and analysis, MEG has an unsurpassed level of experience and historical data. The information provided herein has been provided to MiningFeeds.com by the author and, as such, is subject to our disclaimer: CLICK HERE.