FIVE QUESTIONS OF INQUIRING MINDS
JUL 4, 2025
©Nick Migliaccio
As I sit back and think about what makes a great miner, a few things come to mind. To me, it’s all about resilience, innovation, and knowing when to take risks. Here are five questions about mining and precious metals. These are the type of questions that an inquiring mind should ask when navigating market fluctuations.
See video below:
1. What Makes a Great Miner?
When it comes to mining, Agnico Eagle (AEM) stands out in my mind as a shining example. Why? Because they have it all — excellent deposit choice, resilient management, and the ability to bounce back from disasters. They’ve faced setbacks (a few “Acts of Gold,” so to speak) but have recovered every time. The stock continues to show solid performance, and I think savvy investors know exactly why. No dilution, just strong, steady stock movement. To me, Agnico Eagle is a top-tier company with a proven track record.
2. Who or What is a “Break Out”?
A “breakout” is a term you’ll hear in the stock world. It refers to when a stock exceeds its prior trading range and holds onto that gain. The stock charges ahead with confidence. It’s like a runner breaking free from the pack. Here are a few examples of stocks that have broken out recently, and the reasons why you should keep an eye on them:
- AUX.V
- BTO.TO
- WDO.TO
- III.TO
- KGC
- MTA.V
- DIV.TO
- SGD.V
- JWEL.TO
- H.TO
- MKO.V
- VZLA
A few stock picks of my own? VZLA and SNOWLINE (SGD.V) have caught my attention. If I were looking to buy, they’d be at the top of my list.
For a deeper dive into these stocks, check out the link to my full breakdown:
3. What Do I Consider “Innovative”?
Innovation is key in the mining world. Take Great Bear Mining as an example. Their ability to recognize dissolved minerals in soil and water samples — something that many overlooked — was a game-changer. Even when faced with difficult conditions like deep overburden, they didn’t stop. They used mechanical clearing to expose drill sites, and this determination paid off.
In the end, Kinross Mining (KGC) bought out Great Bear for over $30 per share. Now that’s innovation. They took risks and stayed creative. As a result, they proved the worth of their land. They discovered gold worth millions.
4. What Do I Consider Dangerous in a Mining Stock Context?
Mining is inherently risky. We’re talking massive machinery, explosives, and harsh environments. But there’s one company that really stands out to me when it comes to risk: Fenix Gold (RIO-V).
Located in Chile, Fenix works in some of the toughest spots you can imagine. They process gold through chemical leaching, a method that adds its own set of dangers. I’m talking about cyanide leaching, among other hazards.
Despite these risks, Fenix Gold has big backing from some of the top financiers in the industry. The company is taking on huge risks, particularly the environmental ones. They’re doing it in a way that just works. They’ve promised to extract over 95,000 oz. of gold in eight years with a smart management team and modern tech. This project is closely watched, and Chile’s mining jurisdiction has been proven to be trustworthy.
But let’s be clear, it’s still risky. You should always take caution when dealing with mining operations like this.
5. Finally, Who or What Do I Consider Genius in Precious Metals?
There’s one name in mining that I just have to mention: Rob McEwen. His leadership at Goldcorp was nothing short of genius. McEwen’s ability to recognize deeper gold deposits at the Campbell and Red Lake mines transformed Goldcorp into a global powerhouse. Eventually, Goldcorp merged with Newmont, becoming a leading company in the gold mining space.
But it’s not just his leadership that impresses me — it’s his willingness to think outside the box. He revolutionized the way mining companies shared information, by releasing geological data to help others find new deposits. It was seen as controversial, even heretical at the time, but it worked. McEwen’s approach led to the discovery of over 6 million oz. of gold on Goldcorp’s properties.
Today, he’s still at the helm of McEwen Inc., a company that continues to innovate and keep a profitable operation with a market cap of over $600 million. McEwen proves that genius is about more than just numbers; it’s about daring to do things differently.
The mining world is full of highs and lows. With the right mindset and the right leaders, it can also be full of success. A great miner like Agnico Eagle shapes the future of precious metals. An innovative approach like Great Bear’s also has an impact. A genius like Rob McEwen plays a crucial role.
Keep an eye on the industry. Ask the tough questions. It’s how you stay ahead in the game.
Stay ahead of the game,
Nick aka Denaliguide
Denaliguide Summit 
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