# How Precious Are Precious Metals to the Green Economy

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/03/how-precious-are-precious-metals-to-the-green-economy/
- Published: 2013-03-21T17:37:58-04:00
- Author: greenguruguides

As the largest recycler of electronic waste in the US, Fresno-headquartered Electronic
Recyclers International is licensed to de-manufacture and recycle televisions, computer
monitors, computers and other types of electronic equipment. ERI processes more 
than 120 million pounds of electronic waste annually at locations in California,
Washington, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Texas and North Carolina. For more
information visit: [http://www.electronicrecyclers.com](https://eridirect.com/)

That is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. General Services 
Administration, and the State of Colorado toured a Denver electronics recycler as
part of the Obama Administration’s strategy to promote job creation and the responsible
recycling of electronics products. **_You see, the federal government is the nation’s
largest single consumer of electronics, purchasing about $85 billion of information
technology annually, of which $14 billion is for equipment. By some estimates, the
federal government disposes of 10,000 computers every week._**

Ironically, the precious metal industry is occasionally dominated by metals like
Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium. The top 5 stocks in terms of dividend yield
for this year are listed below:

 1. AZZ, whose dividend yield is 1.30%
 2. Matthews International, whose dividend yield is 1.20%
 3. Mueller Industries, whose dividend yield is 1.00%
 4. Dynamic Materials, whose dividend yield is 0.90%
 5. Barrick Gold Corp, whose dividend yield is 0.84%

Back on Jan. 9, 2012 I reported that [Surplus Exchange](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/01/surplus-exchange-gains-certification-for-recycling-efforts/)
of Kansas City, Mo., was recognized by EPA and the General Services Administration(
GSA) for achieving certification to the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling
and Reuse of Electronic Equipment Program. Surplus Exchange is the first recycling
facility in Missouri to attain this prestigious certification.

This event was part of the Obama Administration’s “National Strategy for Electronics
Stewardship,” which is a strategy for responsible design, purchasing, management
and recycling that promotes sound electronics recycling. Electronic waste from old
cell phones, computers and other devices often contains toxic chemicals and heavy
metals.

As a certified e-Steward recycler, Surplus Exchange operates its facility in accordance
with the most stringent certification standards in the electronics recycling industry.
Surplus Exchange was subject to extensive and rigorous audits conducted by an accredited
certifying body to ensure compliance with the e-Stewards Standard. The facility 
processes nearly 2.2 million pounds of electronics for reuse and recycling annually.

**Precious Metal Stocks and hedge fund managers**

Another classification can be made on the performance of the metal stocks based 
on hedge fund managers. The top 5 are listed below and the number in the brackets
represents the number of hedge funds.

 1. Freeport-McMoran Copper and Gold Inc. (53)
 2. Newmont Mining Corporation (NEM) (40)
 3. Vale S.A (29)
 4. Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc. (25)
 5. Molycorp, Inc. (24)

**Performance and Analysts View**

Coming over to precious metal performance, Silver has been on the higher side with
an increase of 0.20% in 2013. The second position is occupied by Gold, followed 
Platinum and Palladium. The stocks of precious metal can be divided into mining 
stocks, jewelry sector stocks and ETFS. In each case, there is slight variation 
in terms of the profit margin.

The views of pundits and market analysts vary upon the level of investment in metal.
Most of it is focused on the use of cheaper technology for cost effective mining
of precious metals. There’re also the case of ETFs and how their demand has varied
during the last few years. Silver ETFs are now at far with Gold ETFs on the account
of inflation. Analysts like [Ken Fisher, Fisher Investments](https://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/. ?toURL=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenfisher)
are highlighting the importance and benefits of using low-cost technology. This 
is evident from the case of Cliffs Natural Resources, whose stake has been increased
after the investment from Ken Fisher.

**Precious Metals Recycled for Jewelry**

Donna Distefano Ltd in NYC has been committed to using recycled precious metal for
more than 15 years. Always looking for ways to minimize the impact of goldsmithing
on the planet, Distefano chooses to use pure gold supplied by refiners rather than
miners, then creates custom high-karat gold alloys herself. Mining creates literally
tons of environmental waste, says Distefano. There is plenty of gold already in 
circulation, and by using recycled gold we can diminish our impact on the environment
just a little bit more.[⌊Before establishing her private atelier distefano was the senior goldsmith for the metropolitan museum of art responsible for creating the museum&aposs jewelry reproductions After a year of studying art history and culture in rome distefano returned to her native new york to launch her namesake company where she is the sole designer and president With ancestral roots in italy and citizenship in both italy and the united states distefano brings the rich tradition of the court jeweler to the modern luxury marketplace while respecting the earth and its population⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/about_3.jpg?quality=52&ssl=1)

Donna began incorporating charitable donations as a core value of her business back
in 1996 by designing and marketing a rosary called Truth for God s Love We Deliver.

Over the past five years, Distefano has increased the reach of her “Giving Back”
program by hosting events for Women for Women International, the Environmental Defense
Fund, and most recently, OneKid OneWorld.

By donating jewelry for fundraisers, hosting events in her New York City atelier,
and pledging a percentage of profits from the sale of dedicated designs, Distefano
has raised awareness and aid for those who need it most.

**Recognition of Geopolitical Factors When Choosing Green Precious Metals**

When it comes to the stock market of precious metals, geopolitics plays a major 
role in terms of deciding the volatility. An example comes from Middle East, where
there are a lot of mining companies whose stocks operate in U.S. These stocks are
considered volatile on the account of the inconsistent political scenarios in that
region. These geopolitical scenarios are further divided into play with currency
and market moves. Owing to the uncertainty, there has always been an element of 
investors shying away from such stocks. Those who invest take a risk on the demand
of the precious metals and also the sustenance of the dollar in the international
market.

In 2013, the precious metal stocks have been doing well with silver stocks leading
on occasions. Before making any investment, it is important to take a look at the
forecast and where the market is heading too. In the status quo, mining stocks are
deemed a better choice than the ETFs. The reason is the occasional volatility of
ETFs. They pay off well but there is always an impending risk. There, it’s imperative
to make a wise decision when it comes to investment in precious metal stocks.

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 greenguruguides

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman, is recognized as a green living guru and electric
car expert. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the 
green guru guides, green business and electric vehicles.

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