…2017 was just the first year with a small increase after a huge drop off in exploration activity. It may take many years of future increases to get back to where the activity was in 2012, as projected increases in exploration spending are seen to be slow and steady.

We have heard much “tough talk” through the years regarding reining in the regulatory excesses of government agencies in the past, but little action has followed those words. Perhaps we will finally see a genuine move away from excessive regulation.

Fundamental information on gold and silver turned more to the bullish side this past month, and we can point to three particular items as the basis for that conclusion.