Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSXV: SSV, SSEV: SSVCL, OTCQX: SSVFF)
Southern Silver, a low-risk junior development company with substantial upside potential that is emerging as one of the premier Ag-Pb-Zn companies in Mexico
Although Barrick Mining Corporation (B) has declined approximately 0.5% year-to-date and fallen about 20% from its 52-week high of $54.69, the operational fundamentals of this Canadian mining giant are far from “dismal.” Rising output and higher commodity prices are injecting strong momentum into its financial performance. The short-term weakness in Barrick’s stock price more reflects shifts in market sentiment rather than a deterioration in the company’s fundamentals.
Dual Drivers of Output and Prices Yield Strong Financial Data
In the first quarter of this year, Barrick’s gold production reached 719,000 ounces, exceeding the company’s previously issued guidance range of 640,000 to 680,000 ounces. Copper production rose 11% year-over-year to 49,000 tons. Output growth, coupled with elevated gold and copper prices, has directly driven improvements in the company’s financial condition.
For the quarter, earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.96, a surge of 256% year-over-year; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) reached $2.76 billion, up 103% year-over-year, with EBITDA margin climbing 29 percentage points year-over-year to 66%. Revenue totaled $5.22 billion, a 67% increase from the same period in 2025.
Gold Regains Upside Momentum, Copper Rises Over 38% Year-to-Date
After hitting an all-time peak of $5,590 per ounce in January, gold prices retreated and fell below the $4,000 mark in June for the first time since November 2025. However, as of August 7, gold has rebounded to $4,340 per ounce, gaining more than 5% over the past month.
Analysts point out that gold’s sustained rally in 2025 made it a target for liquidation by investors under liquidity strain when the Iran conflict broke out in late February. At the same time, the conflict pushed up oil prices, fueling inflation concerns and expectations of potentially higher interest rates, which also weakened gold’s investment appeal.
But market sentiment is now shifting. J.P. Morgan’s global research team forecasts that average gold prices could reach $6,000 per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2026 and advance toward $6,300 by the end of 2027. In addition, copper prices have risen more than 38% year-to-date, and as a key industrial metal valued for its electrical and thermal conductivity, copper is benefiting from growing demand in the technology sector.
North American Business Spinoff Plan Poised to Unlock Value
Barrick has stated that it plans to conduct an initial public offering (IPO) of its North American operations by 2026, while retaining a minority stake of 10% to 15%. This move is intended to enhance transparency across the company’s business segments.
Proactive Shareholder Returns, Dividend Poised for Growth
Barrick has been proactive in returning value to shareholders. Following a $1.5 billion share buyback program launched in 2025, the company authorized a new repurchase program of up to $3 billion in the first quarter of 2026. At the current share price, the company’s dividend yield stands at approximately 2.11%. With operational performance improving, dividends are expected to grow further. Last November, Barrick raised its quarterly base dividend by 25% to $0.125 per share, and introduced an additional performance-linked payout mechanism.
