The summer of 2011 is a wonderful time to be a gold miner. The price burst above US$1,800 an ounce on Aug 10, but has since fallen back a bit. Don't worry. It will rise again given the background of global economic uncertainty.

Mineral exploration spending in Qubec saw a remarkable increase in 2004, compared with the previous year, reaching $204 million for exploration and deposit appraisal combined. Gold exploration accoun...