Now compare and contrast that situation with real U.S. rates since 2002, back when gold began its current multi-year bull market.

FORBES: Real U.S. Interest Rates Deeper Below Zero Than Even In 1970s

Barrick Gold Corporation has found that multi-stakeholder partnerships, involving local governments, communities, and NGOs, can ensure that longer-term, sustainable solutions are put in place.

FORBES: Why the Future of Mining Depends on Social Change

Importantly, the gold and silver futures markets were ripe for corrective, technical and profit-taking pullbacks following recent strong gains that had sent gold and silver prices to multi-month highs earlier this week.

FORBES: Comex Gold, Silver Try To Recover From Wednesday's Shellacking