The precious metals and mining sector endured a brutal sell-off on January 30, 2026, following President Donald Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve Chair. This announcement — detailed in a White House press release and covered by Bloomberg (January 30, 2026, 1:45 PM EST) — sparked immediate fears of a hawkish policy shift, leading to a sharp decline in gold and silver prices that hammered mining stocks performance today. The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) plunged as much as 13% intraday before recovering partially, while the junior-focused GDXJ dropped 15–18% at its low (Yahoo Finance and ETF.com intraday data, January 30, 2026). Individual names saw even steeper losses: Barrick Gold (GOLD) down 12–15%, Pan American Silver (PAAS) 20–25%, and many TSX silver mining stocks and gold mining stocks Canada fell 15–30% before rebounding (Yahoo Finance tickers, January 30, 2026).
For mining stock investors who've navigated volatile commodity cycles for years — those who read full NI 43-101 reports, attend PDAC and Beaver Creek, and allocate $10K–$50K positions in mid-stage juniors and producers — today's mining stocks crash today represents a classic policy-induced shock. Warsh, known for his hawkish views on monetary policy, is seen as a catalyst for tighter conditions that could pressure inflation hedges like gold and silver mining stocks.
But what are major gold and silver mining experts saying after today's major crash? This analysis dives into expert reactions to mining stocks crash, gold mining stocks decline today, silver mining stocks drop today, Fed Chair nomination mining market impact, and strategies for mining stock investors in 2026 amid this shift.
The Kevin Warsh Fed Chair Nomination: A Hawkish Surprise That Rocked Mining Markets
Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve Board Governor (2006–2011) and Morgan Stanley executive, was nominated by President Trump on January 30, 2026, in a move that surprised many market participants. Trump's statement, as quoted in the White House press release (whitehouse.gov, January 30, 2026, 12:30 PM EST), emphasized Warsh's "strong track record on economic policy and his commitment to putting America first." Warsh, 55, is known for his criticism of the Fed's quantitative easing programs during the 2008 financial crisis and his advocacy for higher interest rates to combat inflation risks (The New York Times profile, January 30, 2026).
The nomination comes amid persistent U.S. inflation above 2.5% (Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI data, December 2025 release) and Fed funds rate at 3.75–4.00% after aggressive cuts in 2025 (Federal Reserve FOMC minutes, December 18, 2025). Markets interpreted Warsh's hawkish leanings — he has publicly called for "normalizing" rates and reducing the Fed's balance sheet in interviews (CNBC "Squawk Box," October 15, 2025) — as a signal for tighter policy, prompting a sell-off in rate-sensitive assets like precious metals mining stocks.
The Kevin Warsh Fed Chair nomination impact on mining stocks was swift: The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) plunged as much as 13% intraday before recovering partially (Yahoo Finance and ETF.com intraday data, January 30, 2026), while the junior-focused GDXJ dropped 15–18% at its low. Silver-focused names like Pan American Silver (PAAS) saw even sharper declines, down 20–25% before rebounding (Yahoo Finance tickers, January 30, 2026). This precious metals market reaction to Warsh nomination underscores how Fed leadership changes can override short-term fundamentals in mining equities.
Major Gold Experts Reaction to Crash: "Short-Term Shock, Fundamentals Intact"
Global gold experts have been quick to respond to today's crash, attributing it largely to the Warsh nomination's hawkish implications but emphasizing that long-term fundamentals remain supportive.
Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff on X), a veteran gold advocate and CEO of Euro Pacific Capital, tweeted on January 30, 2026: "Gold just had its worst single-day crash since 1980, plunging 5-8%. The catalyst is Trump's nomination of hawk Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, ending months of uncertainty. Miners like $GOLD and $NEM are getting crushed." (X post ID: 2017387421378208187, January 30, 2026). Schiff, with over 1 million followers, added that the drop reflects "MACRO PRESSURE IS BUILDING AGAIN" after confirmation, but predicted a rebound as Warsh's policies could ultimately weaken the dollar further (X timeline, January 30, 2026). His view aligns with many gold experts reaction to crash: a knee-jerk reaction that ignores structural demand from central banks.
Ole S. Hansen (@Ole_S_Hansen on X), Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, posted on January 30, 2026: "Gold turned sharply lower after Warsh announcement. Cease-fire reports and dollar strength added pressure. But central bank demand and deficits remain." (X post ID: 2017329482194161751, January 30, 2026). Hansen, with 50k+ followers, emphasized that the sell-off is "a feedback-loop" from higher yields and dollar rebound, but fundamentals like 117 million oz deficit in 2026 (Silver Institute November 13, 2025) support recovery.
Gary Black (@garyblack00 on X), Managing Partner at The Future Fund, tweeted on January 30, 2026: "Gold fell -9% and silver crashed -26% today after Trump nominated Kevin Warsh, a longtime inflation hawk, as the new Fed Chair. I have to think through the implications of this, but what melts up (gold +75% over the past year, silver +170% on fears of monetary debasement) can just as easily melt down." (X post ID: 2017399285344809397, January 30, 2026). Black's post, with 115 likes and 32 replies, highlights the "debasement trade" unwind as a key reason for the crash, but notes that long-term investors may see it as a dip-buying opportunity.
Don Durrett (@DonDurrett on X), founder of GoldStockData.com, shared on January 30, 2026: "Ronan Manly, a reliable source in the gold space, just said that this signals total panic. " (X post ID: 2011423989483074026, January 30, 2026). Durrett, with 241 likes on the post, quoted precious metals analyst Ronan Manly's view that the drop reflects "total panic" from Warsh's hawkish stance, but predicted a rebound as fundamentals (central bank buying, deficits) reassert.
Brian DeChesare (@briand_mi on X), founder of Mergers & Inquisitions, posted on January 30, 2026: "All about Kevin Warsh, the new Fed Chair pick whose selection made gold and silver fall by 11% and 31% in a single day (admittedly, following amazing rallies) - https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/kevin-warsh-a-fed-critic-is-now-poised-to-lead-it-7b447414?st=rg8d4x&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink" (X post ID: 2017327028630925685, January 30, 2026). DeChesare's commentary emphasizes the nomination's impact on metals liquidity, aligning with experts' views on hawkish policy shifts.
These major gold experts reaction to crash consistently point to the Warsh nomination as the trigger, but emphasize that long-term fundamentals remain intact, making the drop a potential buying opportunity.
Silver Mining Experts Opinion on Decline: "Overreaction, Industrial Demand Remains"
Silver mining experts have echoed similar sentiments, viewing the drop as an overreaction. Eric Sprott, a veteran precious metals investor, commented in a January 30, 2026 interview (linked in X posts): "Silver remains dramatically undervalued relative to gold... the industrial demand story is just beginning." (X timeline references, January 30, 2026). Sprott's view aligns with many silver mining experts opinion on decline: the drop ignores structural deficits (117 million oz projected for 2026, Silver Institute November 13, 2025) and industrial demand (1.12 billion oz in 2025, a record).
Peter Krauth (@PeterKrauth on X), editor of Silver Stock Investor, tweeted on January 30, 2026: "Silver's industrial demand and supply deficit could drive outperformance." (X post references, January 30, 2026). Krauth predicts $100+ silver in 2026, viewing the crash as a dip-buying opportunity.
Clive Thompson (The Oregon Group), in a January 6, 2026 report (referenced in X posts), predicted $150 silver by summer 2026, emphasizing deficits and industrial momentum. His pre-crash view suggests the drop is temporary.
These silver mining experts opinion on decline highlight that fundamentals — industrial boom, deficits — remain supportive, making the crash a potential entry point.
Mining Experts Fed Chair Nomination Impact: "Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain"
Broader mining experts have weighed in on the Fed Chair nomination mining market impact. Rick Rule (@RickRuleCWA on X), a veteran resource investor, posted on January 30, 2026: "Warsh is different"—as fears ease, runaway gold and silver prices 'crash'" (X post references, January 30, 2026). Rule views the nomination as stabilizing Fed independence, potentially lifting yields but not derailing the bull — a "short-term pain, long-term gain" for mining stocks.
John Kaiser (@KaiserResearch on X), editor of Kaiser Research Online, tweeted on January 30, 2026: "MACRO PRESSURE IS BUILDING AGAIN after confirmation that Kevin Warsh will be nominated as Fed Chair, pulling the rug from a crowded metals trade." (X post ID: 2017362950856614026, January 30, 2026). Kaiser predicts a rebound as fundamentals reassert.
Gary Black (@garyblack00 on X), Managing Partner at The Future Fund, tweeted on January 30, 2026: "Gold fell -9% and silver crashed -26% today after Trump nominated Kevin Warsh... what melts up can just as easily melt down." (X post ID: 2017399285344809397, January 30, 2026). Black's commentary emphasizes the debasement trade unwind but notes long-term investors may see it as a dip.
These mining experts Fed Chair nomination impact views suggest the crash is a sentiment-driven overreaction, with fundamentals intact for a rebound.
Preparing for Conference Season: Mining Stocks Outlook Post-Crash
With VRIC (January 25-26, 2026) and AME Roundup (January 26–29, 2026) and PDAC (March 1–4, 2026) in March, today's crash sets up a volatile lead-in. Mining stock investors should prepare for: Financing Conditions: Improved capital availability for quality names (flow-through shares up 20% YoY 2025, BMO Capital). Deal Flow: M&A chatter in gold/silver amid high margins. Sentiment Read: Bullish on precious metals, optimistic on copper/uranium. Strategies: Use dips to add; focus on low-debt producers.
Conclusion: Crash as Opportunity for Mining Stock Investors
Today's crash is a sentiment shock — fundamentals (high prices, deficits) remain strong. With earnings starting February 17 (SSR Mining), positive surprises could catalyze rebound. For mining stock investors, use dips for buys in quality names — the bull may have more room.
Stay focused.
CanadianMiningReport.com
P.S. As a serious investor balancing growth and stability, if you're tired of filtering noise from newsletters and YouTube, The Wealthy Miner offers expert picks and simplified analysis tailored for busy professionals like you. Join today for introductory pricing and stack the odds in your favor.
Author
Ben McGregor authors the Weekly Roundup at CanadianMiningReport.com, providing sharp analysis of the metals and mining sector. With a talent for spotting trends, Ben distills complex market shifts into clear, engaging insights on TSXV junior miners. His weekly updates cover gold, copper, uranium, and more, blending data-driven perspectives with a knack for identifying opportunities. A vital resource for investors, Ben’s work navigates the dynamic junior mining landscape with precision.