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primary vanadium producing mines leav-
ing them dependent on Russia and China
for supply, which could be problematic
given the geopolitical tensions.
The same story plays out for zinc, cobalt
and lithium – all strategic metals that are
predominantly imported for use in the US
– although some projects are in the works.
"Given there is a more favourable envi-
ronmental permitting regime in the US
now, there is a high likelihood mineral
exploration could see a renaissance and
attract more US investor interest," says
Kaiser.
Finally, as always the case in the junior
exploration sector, new grassroots discov-
eries will continue to be the food chain for
investors in 2019.
"New discoveries are still in demand
for investors," says Kaiser who points to
the RNC Minerals [RNX-TSX], aka Royal
Nickel, Beta Hunt discovery in Australia
in August. The discovery of gold nuggets
underneath a nickel deposit in the koma-
tite-basalt contact about 150 metres down
a black shale horizon that cuts through
the basalt turned out to provide the per-
fect unit for gold deposition. Not only did
the discovery of the gold measuring up to
1,500 grams/tonne set off an investment
rush, but the geological model itself is now
being looked at in several other areas, trig-
gering a trickle-down investment in the
industry.
"These types of discoveries are what
will continue to drive money back into the
junior exploration industry," says Kaiser.
So while the macroeconomic picture
isn't setting up a stellar year for investors
in the junior mining sector in 2019, there
are still opportunities, galvanizing events
and new discoveries to watch for that
could drive investors back into the under-
performing mining sector.
n
OUTLOOK 2019
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