Pierre Lassonde has predicted that gold will ascend above US$17,000 an ounce in three years. He shared this forecast in an interview with Kitco News this week, linking the anticipated surge directly to the US$40 trillion debt crisis in the United States.
In the interview, Lassonde explained that unsustainable deficits, aggressive central bank gold purchases and declining confidence in the American dollar drive his outlook.
Central banks now absorb nearly half of annual gold mine production, representing about 1,700 tonnes out of roughly 3,800 tonnes. He has drawn parallels to the 1970s when high debt and inflation fuelled sharp gains in gold prices.
Lassonde is basing this specific target on the Dow-to-Gold ratio reverting to historic lows around 2:1. This implies gold prices near the US$17,250 mark.
“I could not be more bullish to be very honest with you,” he stated. “The world financial architecture is changing and that’s the reason why the gold price is so solidly anchored and very likely to go up.”
This bullish stance fits Lassonde’s long track record of optimistic calls on gold. He has repeatedly emphasized the metal’s role as a safe store of value during periods of economic uncertainty. His projections have proven directionally accurate over decades as gold rose from much lower levels amid growing global debt and geopolitical tensions. He applies the same analytical approach successfully across other commodities in his mining investments.
Key details about Lassonde
Lassonde ranks among the mining industry’s most respected figures. He co-founded Franco-Nevada Corp (TSE: FNV) (NYSE: FNV) (FRA: 3FO) in 1982 with Seymour Schulich and helped pioneer the royalty model. It delivered an impressive 36 per cent annualized return for shareholders over 20 years.
He later served as president of Newmont Corporation (TSE: NGT) (NYSE: NEM) (FRA: NMM) following a major merger. He also played a key founding role in Orla Mining Ltd (TSE: OLA) (NYSEAMERICAN: ORLA), where he maintains a significant stake. His career has built an estimated net worth well above US$500 million.
His contributions to the industry were honoured with his induction into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in 2013. More recently, he attained a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Northern Miner.
In 2011, the renowned industry influence donated C$25 million to York University for creation of the Lassonde School of Engineering.
Now 79, Lassonde remains active with mining sector investing endeavours. He views gold as a critical hedge in an increasingly turbulent financial system.
Pierre Lassonde says the $40 trillion U.S. debt crisis is paving the way for gold bullion to reach $17,250 an ounce pic.twitter.com/6TlMmQHQHU
— Contrarian Ω Researcher Think Tank 𓃵 ▫️◽ 🪽 (@safehavenmoney) May 12, 2026
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