By Michael J. Kosares
GoldSeek
Barrick CEO Jamie Sokalsky has some things to say about the gold mining business that will come as a revelation to many gold owners. In a speech at the London Bullion Market Association’s conference in Hong Kong last November, Sokalsky wades into a largely hidden crisis in the gold business — static mine production that has not responded positively to the rising prices over the last several years, and is unlikely to ramp up even if prices go higher from here.
“There are very few mega-sized gold mines currently in production in the world,” said Sokalsky.
“In terms of a cross-section of total gold mines by size, there are about 400 gold mines producing. Only 156 of these, or about 40%, produce over 100,000 ounces per year. . .Twenty-one mines produce over 500,000 ounces per year. . .Only six mines produce over 1 million ounces. . .It is also interesting to note that although there have been some gold discoveries, none can be described as a super giant — that 20-million-plus ounce deposit. They are harder to find and that is directly impacting production growth because those super-giant discoveries are really the ones that can have a material impact on supply.”