Emiral Resources Founder: Why mining companies are paying greater attention to West Africa

There has been a flurry of activity in South Africa's mining industry with companies like Sibanye Stillwater and Impala making new acquisitions. However, there has been a lack of exploration activities in new mines. Boris Ivanov, the global commodities expert and founder of Emiral Resources, shared his insights on mining exploration in Africa, emphasizing the opportunities in West Africa. Ivanov highlighted countries like Ghana and Mali as key destinations for gold mining. He pointed out that the grades of deposits are decreasing, making it more capital-intensive to mine gold. Despite the challenge of COVID-19, which has impacted operations and logistics in the industry, Ivanov stressed the importance of identifying good assets and making timely acquisitions. He also discussed the regulatory environment in Africa, underscoring the need for stability in legislation to attract investment. Ivanov expressed confidence in West Africa's regulatory framework, particularly in countries like Ghana and Mali. When asked about the allure of gold as a safe haven asset compared to newer instruments like Bitcoin, Ivanov reaffirmed gold's long-standing reputation for stability and financial security. While acknowledging the volatility of cryptocurrencies, he highlighted gold's consistent returns over the past two decades. Overall, Ivanov projected a positive outlook for gold as a safe haven investment in the future.