SNL Metals and Mining’s Annual Corporate Exploration Strategies study has named Canada, US and Australia the top countries for most significant drill results last year. In total, Canada had 76 successful projects and the US had 29.
Exploration spending in countries with the highest levels of junior activity, like Canada and the US, reported much more significant drill results than in nations with weaker junior sectors or reporting regimes. These results covered all stages of gold, base metals, platinum group metals and uranium.
Despite these positive drill results for 2013, the survey remained pessimistic for 2014, citing a continued lack of investor interest in future months. It believes that many junior companies and small producers will have to restrict their exploration efforts due to decreased investor interest. The survey predicted the decline to be particularly steep in Canada.