Other Commodities

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

New gas technology such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling have changed the complexion of natural gas in North America. 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. We also raise questions about methane leakage and hydraulic fracturing.

In this infographic we explore why copper prices have increased by 4x over the course of 10 years.

Copper is one of the most widely used metals on the planet, and has been for more than 10,000 years. Today, it's the nervous system of our society - of our cities, homes, tools and toys. The simple truth is that the western lifestyle is completely dependent on copper. Here's why as depicted in the infographic below.

Copper is one of the most widely used metals on the planet, and has been for more than 10,000 years. Today, it's the nervous system of our society - of our cities, homes, tools and toys. The simple truth is that the western lifestyle is completely dependent on copper. Here's why as depicted in the infographic below.

Manganese is the 4th most traded metal in the world, mainly because it is indispensable in the production in steel and other alloys. The fastest growing sector, however, is in the use of manganese oxides for use in batteries and particularly rechargeable lithium ion (lithiated manganese dioxide or LMD) batteries. LMD batteries are ideal for applications that require high levels of power all at once such as power tools and now electic and hybrid vehicles. Take a look at the infographic presented here to learn about the important role manganese will play in our future.