Yip and the production this year is already down 20%. This is a ploy to push up prices and earnings in a falling production environment. As they produce 80% of the global Platinum and 40-50% of Palladium this is going to have an impact. I am constantly hearing roumors that the Russian Pt/Pd stockpile is almost depleted. This happened in 1997-98. Plenty of Pd until one day there was no more. That is why the Pd Emu of 97 had a production of 700 (out of a proposed mintage of 2500). I keep having to remind everyone that unlike gold or silver refining Pt takes 6-7 months. The September strikes in SA will only impact supply in March -April 2013. I don't know why the PM pundits are not screaming from the hill tops buy Pt and Pd ???? It is probably that they dont understand this market. I heard this question raised with brotherjohnf last week where he was asked about the value of Pt. His answer was completely wrong. He stated that Pt was too rare a metal to be of monetary value also it was too soft and easily destroyed ??? I value brotherjohn's comments on Ag but these comments on Pt are just wrong. Rarity does not make a bad investment and Pt is not soft - it is far harder and more durable than gold. SS members please dont start discussing the virtues of a monetary metal vs a precious metal - heard it all before.
I bought some platinum from Goldstackers today. Finely fabricated 1oz Pt coins - same as the spot price of gold, lol Ronnie, can you expand upon the above? As I haven't heard that angle before Plus, it's so great having the strength of the A$ to buy PMs, Feels a bit like having a cheap holiday overseas Source:http://www.goldstackers.com.au/store/platinum-coins.html
A couple of things I keep in the back of my mind is the cost of energy and the dis-continuity of electrical reticulation in SA. South Africa's ESKOM has lots of problems supplying power, and until they have new power plants, continuity is always going to be a problem. Although I have some Platinum, there's always the chance of another GFC and a very good buying opportunity. If Europe and the USA slows further, China too... will reduce consumption of plat. Having said that, Capiatalism is gaining a strong foot-hold in Asia, and with it, demand for vehicles instead of push-bikes is on the rise. Platinum is a mixed bag but imo has huge potential for the medium to longterm. "Maybe"
Couple of references - the froth floatation process is what takes time - Holdfast is right about power supplies in SA - very tenuous at best. http://www.life123.com/career-money/commodities-2/platinum/how-is-platinum-mined.shtml http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_is_platinum_extracted_from_its_ore http://metals.about.com/od/properties/a/Metal-Profile-Platinum.htm
Thought you guys might be interested in this. Platinum-based glucose fuel cells could replace pacemaker batteries Platinum-based biological fuel cells that derive their energy from glucose and oxygen in the body could replace traditional batteries in pacemakers. http://www.platinum.matthey.com/new...ld-replace-pacemaker-batteries/800623613.html
That's the way, uhuh uhuh, I like it, uhuh uhuh (kc and the sunshine band) Groovy platinum chart, trending daily, possibility of breakout on weekly. I believe it will happen. Is it true that platinum leads the other precious metals on a bullish breakout? "Platinum usually leads the other metals in any valid new bull move - albeit accompanied by palladium. Additionally, platinum is much more volatile on the upside and downside than is gold" http://www.gold-eagle.com/analysis/platinum.html
Getting close Ronnie. http://www.kitco.com/images/live/plati.gif http://www.kitco.com/images/live/gold.gif
Platinum broke out of the falling wedge with strong volume last week and looks to be confirming (see old chart a few posts back) I'll be very surprised if it doesn't kick on to challenge the ~$1740 peaks of 2012, with a very fair chance this time of breaking above. Good news not just for platinum investors, but also gold and silver, if platinum really is a leading indicator The Platinum:Gold ratio chart is also looking strong (below)
I hope no-ones offened with my suggestion.... LETS PARTY! :lol: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqaUZkf52fs[/youtube]
This thread made me pop my platinum cherry..... and then the price dropped I blame Silver though as it's a gateway metal. The missus is gonna bash me if she finds out, so let's just keep it between me and you guys and the rest of the internet O.K ? .... I went looking for an Emu but came across a couple of wooden boxed 1/2 oz koalas, an 88 and 89 first and second proof issue both for a tad under $1800 with postage, did I do okay for my first time ?
Amplats is shutting 4 shafts - 14,000 jobs to be shed. BUT, they say they will "create" new ones to fill the gaps. In SA that means ~140,000 people will be directly affected (immediate family, aunts, grannys etc who all depend on one breadwinner). Indirectly the suppliers to Amplats - pumps, electrical equipment etc have had no orders for some time. I reckon we'll see the Rand @ 10 to the AUD very soon.
Some more detailed annotations on the Platinum:Gold Ratio chart by Przemyslaw Radomski. Platinum should be the better buy for some while to come if you agree with the chart interpretation (which I do) http://www.sunshineprofits.com/gold-silver/articles/will-platinum-outperform-gold-near-future/ "Gold is the currency of kings, silver is the currency of Gentlemen, barter is the currency of peasants, debt is the currency of slaves, but platinum is the metal of really out there alien overlords." - well known aphorism
