James Kwantes: More Diamond Market M&A in 2018?

TL;DR

PDAC conference reveals optimistic mood in the mining industry, particularly in base metals and battery metals like graphite, with a focus on opportunities in diamond and graphite markets.

Transcript

I'm Charlotte McLoud with the investing News Network and here today with me is James quantis editor and publisher of resource opportunities thanks for joining me today thanks for having me no problem we are here at pdac it's the last day of the conference how did you find it what was the mood like uh lots of energy uh Lots there's always lots of pe... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The PDAC conference displayed a positive and energetic atmosphere, indicating optimism in the mining industry.
• ♦️ The diamond market is experiencing an upswing in prices and positive sentiments on the producer side, particularly for specialty diamonds.
• 👶 Lucara's new CEO, Ira Thomas, is expected to bring valuable experience and drive growth for the company.
• ♦️ Mergers and acquisitions are contributing to the evolving landscape of the diamond industry.
• ♦️ Apart from diamonds, opportunities in Platinum Group Metals and the graphite market are being explored.
• 🔋 Graphite, being a battery metal, has potential for growth due to its importance in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the overall sentiments at the PDAC conference?

The conference was filled with energy and optimism, with a positive outlook for base metals and supply-demand issues in certain metals. The diamond market is showing an upswing in prices and positive producer sentiments as well.

Q: Can you tell me more about Lucara and their recent news?

Lucara is a Vancouver-based diamond producer known for its large diamonds. The company recently announced that Ira Thomas, a co-founder and diamond industry veteran, is taking over as CEO. This news is seen as a positive move for the company and is expected to drive growth in the future.

Q: Were there any mergers and acquisitions in the diamond industry recently?

Yes, there have been some notable mergers and acquisitions in the diamond industry. Dominion Diamond, the owner of Ekati Diamond Mine, was sold to a private company. Kennedy Diamonds, an explorer, was repurchased by Mountain Province. These developments indicate growing activity in the diamond space.

Q: What other opportunities are you exploring apart from diamonds?

Apart from diamonds, I am exploring opportunities in Platinum Group Metals and the graphite market. Platinum Group Metals exploration companies with assets in Montana, near the Stillwater deposit, are showing promising results. Graphite, a battery metal, is also an interesting area with limited high-quality companies. Additionally, graphene, a new and exciting material, has strong potential in various industries.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The PDAC conference had a lot of energy and optimism, with base metals performing well and supply-demand issues in certain metals like zinc.

• The diamond market is experiencing an upswing in prices and positivity on the producer side, particularly in specialty diamonds.

• Lucara, a Vancouver-based diamond producer, announced a new CEO, Ira Thomas, who has a strong track record in the diamond industry.