David Fuller's view Platinum (weekly & daily) has lagged recently so it has been my fourth choice among precious metals recently. However, this headline: South Africa's NUM threatens 'massive strike' in gold dispute, on page 7 of a mining report caught my eye. While this may have contributed to gold's recent strength, the implications for platinum, also mentioned, would be much greater.

South Africa's gold production is in decline and it is currently the world's second largest producer, after China. However, if I recall correctly, South Africa still produces over 70 percent of the world's newly mined platinum. Consequently, the prospect of a lengthy strike could have dramatic implications for the metal's price. The latest that I have been able to find on this story was published on 15th July but subscribers in South Africa will know more.