Zooka

Either Gold Has to Come Down - Or Gold Miners Need to Come Up

Know how you can tell when the big boys are back in the game?
Volume.
Look at the average volumes from say a year ago vs. today, for a basket of mining stocks. In fact, divide that basket into bullion etfs, majors, juniors, and explorers. Now check out the volume trends.
Simple answer is, when the big boys come to play, the volumes spike. Until then, the volumes are relatively low, and it is composed of the 3rd stringers, Independents, and Clueless tryin to predict the next earthquake. I consider myself to be one of the Clueless, working towards Independent status.
Oh, and volumes are picking up, across the board in the mining and gold etf categories. I would not say it is another bubble/spike time, but things are going a heck of a lot more predictably than say 4 months ago.

Is Norilsk Really Selling Its SWC Stake?

I believe 75% of SWC's production is contracted out already. Doesn't leave a lot of room for more palladium/platinum for individuals.

Survival of the Fittest: Save Haven Investments

Mark, you might look at First Majestic as a pure silver play. They seem to be doing things right, as far as that goes in ntodays market situation (ie not very far).
I am also amazed at what has happened to CDE's share price. Not to mention almost every other miner out there; in CDE's case, what can you say when stocks with a forward p/e of 2.9 and ongoing production is dropping 8% a day and selling for pennies on its equity value? I am waiting for the first major with cash (barrick had 2 billion in cash) to make a move on a crippled junior. That will let us know that the bottom is here, when the big boys start their feeding frenzy..