Precious Metals Down Over Fed Nomination; M&A Forms New Producer

Gold and silver continue to fall after Kevin Warsh’s Fed nomination, a strong dollar, and profit-taking. The new merger between Goldgroup Mining and Gold Resource creates a Mexico-focused junior producer with diversified assets, strong cash flow, and growth potential.

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Precious Metals Drop on Kevin Warsh Fed Appointment

Gold and silver extended their losing streak for a fourth consecutive day on Feb. 2, following a sharp sell-off last week. The drop came in response to US President Donald Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve, a strengthening dollar, and widespread profit-taking.

Goldgroup Mining to Acquire Gold Resource, Expanding Operations

Goldgroup Mining has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Gold Resource Corporation (GRC), a move set to create a larger, Mexico-focused junior precious metals producer. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, GRC shareholders will receive 1.4476 Goldgroup common shares for each GRC share they own, which, following a four-for-one share consolidation by Goldgroup prior to closing, equates to 0.3619 Goldgroup shares per GRC share.

Guanajuato Silver Plans Record 75,000m Drill Program for 2026

Guanajuato Silver has released its consolidated drilling guidance for 2026 alongside production results for 2025, outlining an expansion of exploration and infill activities across its five wholly owned underground mines in Mexico. The new program covers the Bolanitos mine, the El Cubo Mines Complex, the Valenciana Mines Complex (VMC), and the San Ignacio mine in Guanajuato, as well as the Topia mine in Durango.

Santacruz Silver Reports 9% AgEq Production Growth

Canada-based silver company Santacruz Silver Mining produced 3.74Moz AuEq in 4Q25, representing a 9% increase when compared to 3Q25. The company attributed the positive performance to its Bolivian operations, some of which recovered from a climate-related event.

Barrick North American Spinoff Hinges on Newmont Approval

Barrick Gold’s proposed spinoff of its North American assets hinges on the approval of its joint venture (JV) partner, Newmont, according to documents and former company executives. This requirement marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two companies, occurring a decade after Barrick unsuccessfully attempted to acquire Newmont. 

Mining M&A Drives Canada’s Deal Market to Decade High

Mining M&As in Canada reached a decade-high in 2025 as global transactions valued above US$500 million rose 45%, according to a Bain & Company report. According to the firm, this trend reflects a shift toward consolidation as companies prioritize scale over the risks of greenfield development.