Vancouver-based New Gold (TSX:NGD) said November 10 it plans to buy exploration company Bayfield Ventures Corp (TSX-V:BYV) for C$16.6 million (US$14.67m) to expand its land holdings in the Rainy River mining district in northwestern Ontario.
Bayfield's assets include a 100% interest in three mineral properties, totalling 10 square kilometres, located adjacent to New Gold's Rainy River project.
On November 7, two silver miners, Scorpio Mining (TSX: SPM) and U.S. Silver & Gold (TSX: USA), also announced plans to merge, creating a C$65 million combined entity with a bigger portfolio of silver assets in the Americas.
The deals at values substantially below historical highs reflect the challenges facing the sector, as gold prices have dropped over 30%, and silver has plunged more than 50% over the last two years.
