[RC one]

declining silver mine output supports a declining industrial demand theory; however, I own both silver and gold and I wouldn’t discourage anyone from buying either. At the same time, I wouldn’t encourage the average joe to get into metals looking for short term profits. I might encourage someone to invest 25% of their overall investment portfolio in physical metals simply as an insurance fund. Anything more than that and you’re speculating IMO. What do I know though, I make my money pushing drugs and wiping butts.

[hinckley buzzard]

Most silver is mined as a byproduct of gold mining. Very few pure "silver mines." The Comstock Lode was a rarity and even there gold was a major factor. If gold mining is in decline, then so will silver production be also, regardless of "industrial demand."