Market capitalization plunged 43 percent, with just 13 mining companies on the TSX Venture Exchange worth more than C$200 million in 2012, compared with 36 companies in 2011.
Not surprisingly, stream deals and other alternative financings rose to 14 percent all financings in 2012, up from just 8 percent 2011, according to the tax and accounting firm.
Stream financing is so hot that Sandstorm Gold Ltd, which provides upfront money to miners in exchange for the right to purchase a percentage of future gold production at a fixed price, took the No.1 spot on PwC's top 100 list in terms of junior mining company market capitalization.
Sandstorm shares rose 40 percent over the 12-month period ended June 30 and the company currently has a market cap of C$1.16 billion. It is the second largest company on the TSX Venture Exchange after Africa Oil Corp.
