Founder of Jefferson Financial, producer of the New Orleans Investment Conference and Gold Newsletter, believes at least a small amount of the massive liquidity produced by loose monetary policy in Western economies will find its way into mining equities .

Jeff Killeen, mining analyst with CIBC World Markets offers his insight and hands-on perspective on several developers and producers with near-term catalysts.

Gold and silver prices are being repressed by central banks, but Sprott Asset Management's Charles Oliver argues that demand pressure will cause this dam to burst sooner rather than later.

When gold prices plunged in late 2013, gold producers took notice and developed mine plans that offered greater flexibility in troubled times. But even the best plans take time.

Keith Phillips, a managing director and head of Cowen & Company's Mining Investment Banking Group, says strong companies with solid balance sheets are on the hunt for precious metals development projects or small producers trading at steep discounts.

Michael Fowler, senior mining analyst with Toronto-based Loewen, Ondaatje & McCutcheon, says majors need development-stage companies with high-grade, near-term production assets

"It's about being selective and trying to find turnaround candidates."

"My view is that it's all about real return."

Is gold close to a golden cross?

Says downward manipulation of gold and silver is real.

It has something to do with how orange juice is produced.

The overall markets are exuberant. Valuations rise regardless of value created. And gold is conspicuously not at the party.