Could someone please explain what is meant by "valuations" in this sentence from an article on silver mining stocks?

"That will force valuations dramatically lower, leaving this sector more attractive to mainstream institutional investors."
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4417265-silver-miners-q4-20-fundamentals

2021-04-06T23:08:21Z

Maybe it would be helpful if I posted the previous sentence as well. These are for mining stocks, not silver itself. I don't find D.E.B.S.'s explanation to clarify much in light of what was said

"That massive profits growth is likely to accelerate even more in Q1 on continuing high prevailing precious-metals prices, with silver mostly grinding higher on balance despite gold’s extended correction."

2021-04-06T23:08:48Z

"That will force valuations dramatically lower, leaving this sector more attractive to mainstream institutional investors."

2021-04-06T23:10:49Z

Elsewhere in the article: "Stronger earnings also lower valuations, making silver miners look more attractive fundamentally to big institutional investors."

D.E.B.S.2021-04-06T22:13:26Z

Valuation means the estimate of what something is worth.  Silver is traded on the open market based, in part, on what people believe the value is.