Canadian Mining Eye shows optimistic but cautious start to the year: EY

Sources available to offer insight on Q1 2014 mining and metals results

TORONTO, May 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Canadian mining equities showed modest signs of improvement during the first quarter of the year underpinned by improved commodity prices and continued cost management, according to EY's Canadian Mining Eye: Q1 2014.

The index gained 13% during Q1 2014 compared to an 8% loss during Q4 2013. It also outperformed the S&P/TSX Composite index, which gained 5%, and the London Metal Exchange index, which lost 6%.

"The first quarter proved a positive start to the year," says EY's Canadian Mining and Metals Leader Bruce Sprague. "We expect modest strengthening of investor confidence in the sector to continue and drive new transactions and financing opportunities for Canada's mid-tier and junior miners."

Over the next quarter we expect the following:

• Transactions: Depressed share and asset prices are creating opportunities for companies to acquire assets at lower prices. But deal execution will continue to be a challenge — as we've seen with deals in Q1. More funds are also expected to come from private equity players.
  
  
• Access to capital: While some mid-tier companies were able to tap equity capital, fund raising still remains difficult for juniors. These companies must continue to be creative in their approach to raise money. Those with good quality assets, advanced projects and strong management teams are best positioned.  
  
  
• Commodity prices: While some analysts expect positive movement in gold prices, uncertainty over metal prices persists and will continue to drive some companies to opt for hedging their future gold production.

The Canadian Mining Eye tracks Canadian mining sector performance of 100 TSX and TSXV mid-tier and junior companies with market capitalizations at the end, broadly falling between CDN$2.0b and CDN$100m.

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SOURCE: EY (Ernst & Young)

EY's Canadian Mining and Metals team is available to offer insight into the report's findings. To reach a spokesperson, or for more info, please contact: Erika Bennett, [email protected], 416 943 5497; Sarah Shields, [email protected], 604 648 3607; Julie Fournier, [email protected], 514 874 4308