Gold's M&A rush

NovaGold Resources (TSX: NG) announced plans to buy the 40% stake it doesn't already own in Donlin Gold Holdings, creating a company valued at $4.2 billion. Mining M&A hit $26.3 billion in Q2, up 68% quarter over quarter. The new U.S.-domiciled company plans to list on the NYSE, creating the largest gold development project in the U.S. Gold prices are 20% above last year.