According to some experts, after the peak is reached, the production rate will slowly decline until it reaches near zero while the price shoots upward. At that point, we will have pretty much mined all the economic ore deposits that are present on the planet.

It appears that market softness due to a slowing Chinese economy may already have affected precious and base metals quotes.

If we watch the action in six important markets, then we must conclude that there is, indeed, cause for deep concern.

In all the years I have been writing this column (approaching 35) and in my writings elsewhere, I have to admit that I never foresaw the kind of immense changes that have been wrought during the past two months…