Denis Laviolette: Exploration Dollars More Precious Than Gold

Interview by Charlotte McLeod, article by Scott Tibballs.

It’s a popular and accepted opinion among analysts and companies that times are tough for juniors in the mining space, and according to the CEO of GoldSpot Discoveries (TSXV:SPOT), that makes getting hold of dollars for exploration top priority.

“In the market, exploration dollars are more precious than gold. It’s really hard to get that money, so to spend it wisely is top of mind for everyone,” said Denis Laviolette.

Talking to the Investing News Network at Mines and Money London, Laviolette was explaining why machine learning is so valuable to explorers in the current climate.

“Exploration risk being mitigated by artificial intelligence, and machine learning is a valuable bolt on for a company … everyone’s coming to this realization that exploration is risky (and) computers can help make that a better process,” he explained.

Looking at the resources sector overall, Laviolette said that optimism is growing, but there is a lot of suspicion as well. “A lot of people know a lot of money hasn’t trickled down into the junior space yet.”

He added that he and many others believe there is a turn coming for the industry, but when it is coming is another matter.

On gold, Laviolette said that he thinks the gold price will be able to sustain itself into 2020.

“The magic question is when we see that money trickle down into the space that we all know and love, which is the optionality plays, the exploration side and mid tiers.”

Listen to the full interview with Laviolette above — he also offers his thoughts on merger and acquisition activity in the sector and the role that machine learning plays in improving data analytics. You can also click here for our full Mines and Money London playlist on YouTube.

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

Editorial Disclosure: GoldSpot Discoveries is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.

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.