Junior miners rebound as investors see opportunity

Investors are returning to the junior resources sector on the back of growing confidence, sending the share prices of some Australian junior miners soaring by up to 700% during the past 12 months.

It comes as many commentators believe the global commodity market has hit the bottom of the cycle and prices continue to climb, signalling an end to the five-year slump.

Speaking ahead of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Melbourne next month, Hedley Widdup, investment manager of listed mining investment firm Lion Selection Group, said the sector was benefiting from renewed interest and shaking off previous uncertainty.

"2015 was a tough year for most and the junior resources sector in Australia suffered for it," Mr Widdup said.

"However, during this calendar year, the ASX Gold Index more than doubled in value before easing back to be up 83% to 30 September.

"Larger producers have performed handsomely, and the small population of gold developers have made multiples this year of between 5 and 7 times, which is very promising.

"Often the biggest issue for junior miners is raising capital, but with these figures the tables are starting to turn going into the end of 2016, with plenty of interest from investors.

"And there are plenty more opportunities coming to fruition with some exciting opportunities for small gold miners in the advanced exploration and development space."

Junior resources investment opportunities will be a focus at IMARC, with a dedicated Mining Hub where more than a dozen leading junior miners will be showcasing their projects and will be on the hunt for investment.

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