Noble metal alloys improve steel’s resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Metal custom alloys and precious metal alloys provide the same or better protection, but at a much steeper cost. The market for metals has a history of stability, a steady future outlook and heavy regulation to prevent unfair trade or price gouging. Some metals, such as gold, may classify as currency. The precious metal prices for gold and silver and the prices of noble metals like platinum make them a great investment opportunity for those looking for low-risk opportunities.

The most significant reasons to trust your investments in the metals market are:

1. The wide variety of practical uses.

2. Iron ore is the most abundant element on Earth.

3. Production costs for manufacturing alloy metals are fairly low, requiring only fuel, charcoal, air and a blast furnace full of iron ore to process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider the unlimited possibilities of products made with noble and precious metal alloy

There will not be a societal shift on the use of metals as there has been with resources like oil and coal, which means no dramatic decrease of dependency in our lifetime. Plastic has gradually replaced some metals as the material for common products like gas cans and small appliances, but bridges, railroad tracks and office buildings rely on steel made from noble and precious metal alloys.

I recommend: Johnson Matthey’s Precious Metals Division manufactures medical, industrial, laboratory and glassmaking equipment from noble metal alloys. Need help? Metalor offers “alloy advice” on its website for choosing the correct alloy metals for custom products, including watches, jewelry, wire and electrical contacts.

Invest in new technology for extracting precious and noble metals and improving quality

The mining industry continues to look for new ways to do it faster, safer and smarter. Large-scale manufacturers of alloy metal products research ways to improve the quality of what they make.

I recommend: Rocmec Mining in Canada uses the “thermal fragmentation method” of mining to create less waste rock extracted along with the precious metals. United Precious Metal Refining in New York makes a continuing effort to innovate the industry and stay environmentally friendly.

Look for metal alloy makers who keep production costs low by streamlining their processes

The Industrial Revolution made it possible for companies to manufacture steel and iron on a mass scale, making it cheaper to produce and distribute metal alloys while keeping precious and noble metal prices down, leading to higher returns. Large-size companies that offer an extensive catalog of metal products must have an efficient system for manufacturing and distribution in order to survive.

I recommend: Research precious metal alloy manufacturers and suppliers with good business and safety records and detailed and user-friendly online customer services, like MSC Industrial Supply. Atlantic Equipment Engineers’ website offers information on all of its metal compounds and powders for purchase.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Avoid investing in mining companies with bad safety records and less-than-desirable employee working conditions. Be sure to investigate the companies' documentation on accidents and government safety inspections, if you have any concerns.