Gold is back on the rise, but could the next major opportunity be in junior gold explorers? We spoke with Stefan Sklepovich, CEO of Kirkland Lake Discoveries (TSXV: KLDC), about the current gold market, the recent gold price correction and rebound, investor sentiment, and whether capital is finally ready to return to junior mining stocks. They discuss the outlook for gold explorers, high-grade gold discoveries, the growing Mirado gold system, 125 g/t gold intercepts, resource expansion, KL South and KL West exploration, and the company’s plans for 2026 and 2027. With gold prices remaining at historically high levels, the conversation explores why junior gold explorers could be positioned for a potential next leg higher as the broader gold bull market develops.
🗓️ Recording date: August 19, 2026

📖 Chapters
0:00 Intro
01:06 – Gold Market: Is the Turnaround Underway?
02:48 – Are Investors Returning to Junior Gold Explorers?
03:21 – What Are Investors Looking for in Junior Gold Stocks?
05:43 – From “Cowboy Exploration” to Institutional Investors
06:36 – Gold Correction: Why Did the Share Price Pull Back?
09:11 – KL West: What Did the 65-Hole Drill Program Reveal?
12:21 – KL West: Pathfinders, Geophysics & The Next Targets
13:09 – Mirado: 19 g/t Gold & 125 g/t High-Grade Intercepts
15:47 – How Close Is Kirkland Lake Discoveries to a New Resource?
18:44 – 2026–2027 Exploration Strategy & Key Catalysts
21:10 – Regional Exploration & New Gold Targets
23:00 – 2–3 Drills, Resource Expansion & Discovery Pipeline
25:37 – Strategic Partners & Major Mining Companies
26:01 – Funding the Next Stage of Exploration
28:23 – The $260,000 School That Became an Exploration Facility
30:33 – Building a More Efficient Gold Exploration Operation
32:47 – Why the New Facility Could Be a Game Changer