Missed Canvest 2015? Here’s What You Need to Know

At the 2015 Canadian Investor Conference, held in Vancouver on May 31 and June 1, the Investing News Network (INN) had the chance to interview thought leaders and company CEOs about a variety of topics, including various commodities and stock picks. Here’s a round-up of the video interviews from Canvest that INN put out this week in case you missed them the first time around.

John Kaiser on Diamonds: Stock Picks, Synthetics and Prices

John Kaiser of Kaiser Research spoke on a panel at Canvest 2015 about critical metals trends, but also took some time to talk with INN about what is happening in the diamond space. He commented on the recent news that a group of major diamond companies have created an organization to support development in the diamond sector. He noted that he believes the issue of synthetic diamonds, which the organization plans to tackle, is definitely worth looking into.

In terms of the diamond price, which hasn’t been doing well so far this year, he explained why there may be reason to be optimistic in the long term. He also noted some of the companies he likes, which include Peregrine Diamonds (TSX:PGD) and Mountain Province Diamonds (NASDAQ:MDM).

Why Frank Holmes Loves Royalty Companies

Between delivering a keynote presentation and speaking on a panel about the geopolitics of mineral supply, Frank Holmes, CEO of US Global Investors (NASDAQ:GROW), had time to chat with INN. In this video interview, Holmes talks about the gold price, gold stocks and the overall state of the market, noting that so far in 2015 he hasn’t seen any real surprises for the gold price.

Regarding companies in the space, he said that he looks for management teams that are “good stewards of capital,” and noted that he’s particularly interested in royalty companies. Specifically, he mentioned Franco-Nevada (TSX:FNV,NYSE:FNV), Silver Wheaton (TSX:SLW) Royal Gold (TSX:RGL,NASDAQ:RGLD) and Osisko Gold Royalties (TSX:OR), as well as junior Klondex Mines (TSX:KDX,OTCQX:KLNDF).

Chris Berry: ‘Do the Math’ to Choose Graphite, Cobalt Companies

Chris Berry, president of House Mountain Partners and co-editor of the Disruptive Discoveries Journal, spoke on various panels and also gave a keynote presentation at Canvest 2015; however, he still made time to jump into a video interview with INN.

Looking to the east for clues on graphite, Berry said that because of China’s environmental clean-up efforts, many of the mines there remain offline. He said that moving forward, the Asian nation will likely move towards more consolidation, but warned that this situation doesn’t equate to opportunity for every graphite company outside of China. He also touched on the Tesla Motors’ (NASDAQ:TSLA) gigafactory, noting that it is not the only lithium-ion battery megafactory in the works.

In terms of stock picks in the cobalt space, Berry is interested in Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX). He also offered tips for investors interested in identifying smaller companies that might be worth a second look.

John Kaiser: Look For ‘Exploration Free Lunch’

In another video with INN, Kaiser shed some light on trends in the metals market and junior mining companies doing innovative exploration. He believes it will take “an exploration program with a target that has world-class discovery potential” to reignite faith in junior mining companies.

That’s where his “exploration free lunch” advice comes in. Looking to companies with the potential to fit the bill, Kaiser pointed to Tsodilo Resources (TSXV:TSD). He also recommended InZinc Mining (TSXV:IZN) as a zinc play he likes and mentioned uranium exploration company Uravan Minerals (TSXV:UVN).

Talks at Canvest 2015

INN also sat in on a number of talks and panels at Canvest and wrote up on what the speakers had to say. This week the following articles were posted:

Marin Katusa: Focus on North American Uranium Stocks

What You Need to Know About Tech-Metals Fusion

Critical Metals Trends: Bullish on Cobalt

Brent Cook Talks Junior Mining Stocks

Peter Spina: Stock Picks from Canvest 2015

Marin Katusa Talks Oil Market Trends at Canvest 2015

Louis James’ Canvest 2015 Stock Picks

Securities Disclosure: I, Kristen Moran, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.