New use for silver.Hopefully this will produce more serious demand.
"Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co. reported developing a silver-based diesel exhaust catalyst, replacing the more expensive metal. Palladium also declined. Mitsui, a partner in Japan's biggest copper smelter, plans to start selling the silver-based devices in Japan, the U.S. and Europe in 2012, according to a statement yesterday. Platinum has jumped 54 percent in the past year, partly on expectations that demand for automotive catalysts will rise as governments impose tougher pollution controls. Mitsui Mining follows Japanese automakers Nissan Motor Co., Mazda Motor Corp. and Daihatsu Motor Co., which last year announced plans for parts that reduce platinum usage to cut costs. Mitsui said the silver-based technology is for use in farming and construction machinery, rather than car engines. Consumption by automakers accounts for more than 60 percent of global platinum demand, according to estimates by Johnson Matthey Plc, which makes about one-third of the world's auto catalysts."
A question.How difficult is in now to buy silver and silver coins in the north america?
Are most of the dealers still short of stock?
