[Tall Wall Texan]

I am a mining engineer. Increasing silver production is not like a factory increasing production of a manufactured product to meet demand. Most silver (about 75% to 80%) is produced as a by-product of copper, zinc and lead mining. Processing capacity to vastly increase capacity to produce silver is likely not on stand-by awaiting a surge in demand. Environmental regulations make any changes to operations a slow process. Many mines are in Mexico or other countries beyond USA control. Government instability and labor demands (strikes) can cripple a mine and wreak havoc on production goals.

[kiryandil]

Thanks - very informative!