While the producers will be conscious that AMCU led the country’s longest ever platinum mining strike in 2014, none can meet its demand for a pay increase of as much as 48% without undermining their businesses.
After a supply glut sent cobalt prices plummeting about 70% from the peak, many of the country’s artisanal miners are now switching focus to copper instead.
The 16 Psyche and other asteroids will probably be mined for their metals. But once they start hitting the market in large quantities, they’re unlikely to be precious for much longer.