Gold Investment Expert Forecasts Major Price Spike as Global Currencies Face Devaluation

Lassonde, a towering figure in the mining industry, roots his bold prediction in the simple dynamics of supply and demand, coupled with profound global financial trends, including accelerating de-dollarization and the looming threat of mass currency devaluation.

Lassonde’s forecast is not a guess but a calculation based on global wealth allocation. He argues that a minimal shift of capital could send gold prices soaring due to the metal’s finite supply.

"If you take only 1% of the world's money that is currently invested and you move it into gold, you're going to have gold at over $15,000," Lassonde stated.

The reality, as he explains, is that gold is a "small world." With only roughly 220,000 tons ever mined and annual production being stubbornly flat at around 3,600 tons, a production rate that is exceptionally difficult to increase quickly, any significant demand spike creates a massive, immediate effect.

A core theme of Lassonde's analysis is the historical pattern of great civilizations ending their empires by devaluing their currency to manage insurmountable debts. He cites the Roman Empire's 80% currency devaluation beginning in 180 A.D. as a stark historical parallel to today's global situation.

"If you look at every great civilization, they all ended up devaluing their currency. And that's how the empire finished," Lassonde asserted.

He identifies the U.S. budget deficit and the massive federal debt as the modern "abyss." He acknowledges the "incredible ability" of the U.S. to "walk right up to the abyss, look at it, and then walk back," but warns that the unsustainable debt, including an estimated $120 trillion in future unfunded obligations, will eventually force governments to devalue their currencies, as it is the political path of least resistance compared to cutting benefits. This issue is not unique to the U.S., but affects Europe and other G20 nations, facing declining populations and unsustainable welfare systems.

Lassonde highlights the undeniable trend of gold being "remonetized" within central bank reserves. He points to a significant shift over the past decade:

He suggests that countries like China are actively working to bypass the dollar by setting up mechanisms such as the ICBC's new 2,000-ton vault in Hong Kong to allow trading partners to exchange local currency for gold, essentially mimicking the pre-1971 gold-backed monetary order. While he believes the Chinese Yuan will never become a global reserve currency due to a lack of trust in its "autocratic communist party," the overall trend supports gold's return to monetary prominence.

Drawing on his background as the co-founder of the innovative Franco-Nevada royalty company (which began with a $2 million investment that resulted in the $2 billion Goldstrike royalty), Lassonde also provided an assessment of the gold mining sector, which he calls "better than ever."

He notes a new level of "discipline" among companies, which are focused on capital return to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, a stark contrast to previous eras. The industry is in the "greatest health," though the junior sector still struggles with a slow discovery cycle.

Lassonde's advice for maximizing returns in this environment is a balanced, holistic approach: "If you're going to be in the gold sector, you want to be invested across the sector." This includes a mix of bullion, royalty company shares, senior and intermediate producers, and selected juniors to manage the varied risk profiles.

A key to Lassonde's own success, he revealed, is his ability to "make decisions very quickly" and, crucially, to surround himself with "better people all the time." He emphasized that technical skill alone is not enough, noting that at Newmont, only four out of 326 PhD-level geologists produced 90% of the gold, attributing their success to a combination of preparation and opportunity, the essence of "Carpé Diem."

Lassonde’s outlook is a clear call to action for investors: "Carpé Diem. Seize the day." Despite the economic instability and massive debt loads faced by the world's major economies, he maintains an ultimate optimism for human ingenuity and progress. "Life is better than it's ever been, and it will continue to get better," he said, emphasizing that while governments must eventually devalue, people always adapt.

His unique blend of financial expertise, historical perspective, and personal experience offers a compelling narrative: global currencies are under pressure, the world's central banks are quietly turning to gold, and those who take an integrated position in the gold sector today stand to benefit the most.