Why elevated gold prices are leading to consolidation

After acquiring TMAC Resources, Agnico Eagle (TSE:AEM) still intends to keep its exploration budget elevated. On Friday CEO Sean Boyd recorded Kitco Roundtable podcast with correspondent Paul Harris and mining audiences manager Michael McCrae. Agnico Eagle operates Canadian Malartic, the nation's largest gold mine. The company is a top ten gold producer, having produced 1.7 million ounces in 2019. Agnico gave the sector a huge boost of confidence with the big M&A deal announced at the start of the year, the $286 million acquisition of TMAC Resources. Boyd said the deal was closed on its ability to generate net free cash flow.