This article provides a broad sweep review of both the long-term trends in global silver mining supply and in global silver supply concentration. The authors anticipate mine supply growth to remain very challenged. Lower processed grades, which in turn result from longer-term downward trends in exploration success, will pressure operating costs as well as production levels. Over the near term, COVID-19 restrictions will also potentially impact production levels going forward. The authors also anticipate industry concentration levels to marginally increase in both silver and gold mine supply. As a consequence of the continuing mining challenges of lower processing grades and limited exploration success, the authors expect that companies will be forced to look towards mergers-and-acquisitions to sustain production profiles.
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