Other Commodities

I have been bearish on hard commodities for the past two years and, while prices may have dropped substantially from their peaks during this time, I don’t think the bear market is over. I think we still have a very long way to go and there are four reasons why I expect prices to drop a lot more. Words: 3978

I had the pleasure today of attending a presentation by Passport Potash Inc. (TSX.V:PPI & PPRFT:OTCQX) that is "Cultivating Global Growth" in its pursuit of profits. It is an interesting story. Let me share it with you. Words: 560

I had the pleasure today of attending a presentation on Strait Minerals (formerly Strait Gold) which is listed on the TSXV under the symbol SRD. Strait Minerals is a mineral exploration company (copper, gold, silver, moly) with 4 properties in Peru. Below is a copy of said presentation - the straight goods - on their plans for the development of each over the coming years and their financial situation and arrangements.

While best known for its use in the five cent coin, nickel has far more strategic uses. Nickel can be alloyed with other metals to create truly extraordinary materials - such as stainless steel which now accounts for more than half of all nickel consumed. China’s stainless steel consumption has increased 1625% in the last 10 years and is now the largest demand driver for nickel worldwide accounting for 40% of global totals. There’s still a lot more room for growth in the industry and nickel’s diversified supply is expected to keep prices stable, so the savvy investor should look for low cost nickel projects in safe jurisdictions. Check out the infographic below for more insights.

Everyone is talking about gold and silver these days, but nobody talks about diamonds. Let's have a little peek inside this sector [and how to take full advantage of expected developments.] Words: 437

The shale revolution has come as a surprise to many, but natural gas is now so plentiful and cheap that it could be an energy game changer. This infographic explores natural gas, its properties, natural gas market dynamics, supply forecasts, demand, the shale revolution, and the switch from coal to natural gas.

Iron ore is now the world's second largest commodity market after oil and is essential for developing nations to build infrastructure and to modernize accounting for 95% of all metal produced annually. [As I can personally attest to from my recent 29 day trip throughout mainland China, it is no surprise that] China's rapid industrialization in the last decade...is responsible for all the growth in steel consumption since 2000...placing a huge strain on the global iron supply and pushing iron exploration into untapped regions of the world. Although the price of iron price rose steadily until peaking in 2011 (it has softened as of late), the long-term outlook is strong. Learn more in this informative infographic.

Natural gas has the potential to bridge the gap between the current oil dominated energy mix and sustainable renewables. It’s cheap, abundant, and the cleanest fossil fuel in the world. In fact, at today’s consumption rates, estimated US natural gas resources could be used to supply domestic electricity generation for 52 years.That being said, shale gas is trapped thousands of feet underground. How do we extract it and what does the process look like? The infographic below has all the details.

Marathon Oil has a great animation on the basics of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking." It explains how horizontal drilling works and explains the roles of water and sand. Take a look.

If you are interested in comparing the stats and ratings of companies operating in each of the commodity sectors you will find this analysis of great benefit in determining which company or companies to invest in. Words: 575