

$5,000 Gold Could Change the Math for Small Mines | Jeff Pontius
Jeff Pontius, exploration geologist and chair of Mackay Gold & Silver, joins Kitco Mining’s Digging Deep with Paul Harris to discuss what separates a promising deposit from a mining project that can actually be financed, permitted and built. Pontius outlines Mackay’s drilling strategy along the Occidental-Brunswick trend at the Comstock project, where the company is targeting broad oxide mineralization and sees room to build a larger district-scale resource. He says Mackay is focused on exploration and resource development, with the goal of creating an asset capable of attracting multiple potential buyers. Across Nevada, Pontius weighs i-80 Gold’s staged development plan and says more independent refractory processing is needed, describing the current market around Nevada Gold Mines as “a bit of a monopoly.” He also looks past Hycroft Mining’s headline Vortex intercept, arguing that capital intensity and metallurgy remain the bigger challenges. Pontius is cautious on smaller projects such as Bonterra’s Barry Gold project, warning there is “very little room for things not to go perfect,” although he believes $5,000 gold would materially improve the outlook. He also discusses Discovery Mining’s Ontario expansion, the coming copper supply gap, Quebradona in Colombia, and why infrastructure and clearer permitting timelines matter for the next generation of copper projects. Recorded October 15, 2026. Today’s show is brought to you by Kalshi. Trade the first CFTC-regulated gold and silver perpetuals in the U.S., 24/7, with no expiration date. https://kalshi.com/p/KT2026 Availability varies by jurisdiction. Not available in Canada. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitco Mining & Kitco News YouTube channels to stay up to date on the latest industry news and interviews. 00:13 - Mackay Comstock Drilling Goals 01:49 - SSR Mining Deal and Marigold Grades 04:34 - Why SSR Mining Stock Sold Off 05:52 - Mackay Gold & Silver: Build or Sell? 08:42 - i-80 Gold Multi-Project Development Plan 11:17 - Nevada Refractory Processing Capacity 12:55 - Hycroft High-Grade Drill Result 15:31 - Discovery Mining Ontario Expansion 18:49 - Bonterra Barry Gold PEA Risks 21:32 - Copper Supply Gap and Project Picks 25:06 - Mining Permitting Reform __________________________________________________________________ Kitco Mining is dedicated to reporting on the mining industry. Our mandate is to be the top resource for all mining information and news, offering a clear perspective on where the industry is going through breaking news coverage, mining trends, and in-depth reporting, presented with precious, rare earth, base metals, and industry stock prices. Get important precious and base metal updates while on the go with the Kitco Gold LIVE! app - https://applications.kitco.com Stay connected with us X - https://x.com/KitcoMining Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kitcomining LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitco-mining Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KitcoMining Connect with the Kitco Mining anchors Paul Harris - https://x.com/paulharrisgold For more in-depth mining coverage, visit us here - https://www.kitco.com/mining Disclaimer: Videos are not trading advice, and the views expressed may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
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