The world’s markets are currently plagued by uncertainty. Russia’s continuing illegal invasion of Ukraine has further exacerbated the shortfalls and supply chain disruptions previously caused by the pandemic. These events led to spiralling inflation and stocks trading well below their previous highs. However, South Africa’s experienced investors do what they always do in times of crisis. They choose to invest…
The appeal of Jewellery is timeless, predating the use of Precious Metals as an investment vehicle and the first official Gold exchange services by millennia. A recent archaeological find revealed that the ancient people in the region we now know as Morocco wore necklaces of shell beads as far back as 150 000 years ago. The discovery of Silver in around 5000…
Coal may have been mined in Southern Africa up to 40 000 years ago. However, the first evidence of humans utilising metal ores is much more recent. For example, the process of smelting Gold and Silver dates back around 6 000 years and began further north in Egypt and Sumeria. These Precious Metals were prized for their beauty and were among the…
Given the undeniable evidence of global warming and its origins in the world's burgeoning carbon footprint, the need for recycling has become one of the leading issues of our times. However, while focusing our efforts on collecting and repurposing cardboard, paper and plastics, we are in danger of overlooking the environmental impact of mining operations to extract Precious Metals. Best estimates…
None of the elements we currently prize for one reason or another has gained the universal appeal of the dense, soft and malleable bright yellow metal with the chemical symbol Au. In addition to its value to the electronics industry as a corrosion-free electrical conductor, its reflective properties are invaluable for various aerospace and electronic warfare developments. However, in the…
Like most countries, South Africa is experiencing high inflation levels in the wake of the pandemic and recent events in Ukraine. The effects are being felt in supermarkets, at filling stations and in our monthly utility bills. Consequently, many of those with some cash to spare are seeking a means to combat steadily rising prices. Many South Africans are now…