The growing gap between gold and mining companies is about to gain significance as the precious metal gears up for a major breakout, likely marking the beginning of a new long-term cycle for precious metals. Although mining companies are complex capital intensive businesses, there are historical periods when this industry proves to be exceptionally profitable investments. If we are indeed on the verge of a secular move in gold prices, miners are arguably one of the most undervalued companies in financial markets today. In an environment where inflation remains higher than historical standards and hard assets excel, these stocks have the potential to yield significant returns, possibly becoming multi-baggers.