The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, Nov. 5, edition that the annual Denver Gold Forum in September highlighted speculation about acquisitions in the mining sector. The Globe's Dominique Gene and Andrew Willis write that as soaring gold prices have boosted valuations of larger mining companies, smaller firms are becoming attractive takeover targets. Scotiabank analyst Tanya Jakusconek noted that discussions this year were centred on acquiring juniors due to their depressed valuations and limited access to capital. With gold prices up 37 per cent over the past year, closing at $2,736 (U.S.) an ounce, Goldman Sachs predicts the price may reach $3,000 (U.S.) an ounce next year. Takeover activity in Canada's mining sector is rising, with 125 deals announced in the second quarter, a 34-per-cent increase from the previous quarter. The value of mining M&A surged to $964-million (Canadian) from $328-million (Canadian). This year, large and mid-sized mining companies have focused on acquiring each other rather than junior companies with long-term gold projects. However, RBC recently predicted that this trend may shift as senior miners start capitalizing on a rising tide that has only benefited a few.