Large gold mining companies are finding it easier to buy junior companies rather than develop new deposits on their own. The big mining companies are struggling to maintain their production, so with all of their cash profits at $5,000 per oz gold, they are buying new mines. The premiums they are paying are high. G Mining paid a 72% premium to buy G2 Goldfields. Agnico paid a 67% premium to acquire Rupert Resources. Expect more deals in the coming months as the majors scramble to grab the limited number of solid assets that are on available.(Wall Street Mav)