Batista's AUX moves on juniors in California gold district in Colombia

With prices of precious metals perpetually near historical highs, mergers and acquisitions were inevitable.  This will put a floor on share prices of junior and mid-tier producers, as well as the highly speculative exploration companies.

http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page59?oid=160563&sn=Detail&pid=102055

Gold takeovers

Mergers and acquisitions activity is perking up among gold mining companies, as gold prices remain at elevated levels.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-03/gold-takeovers-reach-record-as-bullion-climbs-boosting-bmo-hsbc-merrill.html