Strategic Metals Report

Rare Strategic Metals

Swiss Metal Group

Welcome to the World of Real Value!

Many of us discovered the world of metals in our early childhood through books, television, or movies. Stories about ancient Argonauts, Caribbean pirates, and modern day treasure hunters fascinated us. Today, technology, patience, and perseverance are helping unearth sunken shipwrecks, often containing treasures of immense value. These treasures have increased their value over the centuries.

A recent example was the discovery of the English frigate HMS Sussex who sank in 1664 off the Southern coast of Spain. Treasure hunters recovered one million pounds sterling in gold and silver from the wreck with a current value of twelve billion Euros.

Metals are considered the mother of all material property. Rare strategic metals are so valuable because they are vital to both current and future technology and manufacturing. Going mostly unnoticed, few people understand how different our lives would be without them. Imagine a world without land, sea and air transport, computers, cell phones, or even the clothing you’re currently wearing. These are just a few applications of rare strategic metals.

These metals are the single most important resource for manufacturing in the world today.

Already experiencing a rise in prices and supply shortfalls to meet production demands - the pressure on availability is further stressed by the worldwide operations of emerging economic powers such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC).

China, in particular, is having an enormous impact on price increases and limited availability on many essential industrial metals. By controlling technical expertise, current and future production, reducing export levels, and securing the mining rights for these metals in other countries, China stands to remain as the major player for years to come.

The demand for metallic metals in particular, is very high. As a result, raw material prices have increased 50% - 80% in recent years. The BRIC countries, especially China, are requiring large quantities of metals to build their growing infrastructure and industrial sectors. According to experts, China alone will

need about a quarter of all available industrial metals to further its industrial and economic development.

The current supply bottlenecks causing the inflationary effect on the metals market are due to the lack of new mine openings recently. Though new mines are in the planning stages, it is a lengthy process. It is highly unlikely the mining companies will be able to increase their supply in the short-term. Market scarcity, supply shortages, and the current turmoil in global financial markets will inevitably cause a further spike in metal prices.

The unpredictability of the financial markets and recent governmental fiscal policies in the United States and Europe, and their impact on the purchasing power of our financial assets, should be of great concern to everyone.

Our bloated financial system has no relation to true values. The real asset value of most investment categories is usually far below real market value. Above all, speculation and greed by banks will determine any development in these investment categories.

History has shown that possession of physical metals has led people to prosperity and security over the generations. This will not change in the future. Consider ownership of something real. A world of real value.

The World of Rare Strategic Metals!

Prepare for the Future, Today!

Richard Rossmann, Board of DirectorsSMH Schweizerische Metallhandels AG

Swissmetal Inc. (SMI) and its trading partners Schweizerische Metallhandels AG (SMH), SMH

Panama, and Swiss Metal Overseas S.A. provide an asset protection service throughout Europe,

the Americas and Asia focusing on the use of rare, technology based industrial metals. In 2009, we developed a proven, safe, and secure method to

preserve wealth by providing allocated, segregated, rare, and strategic specialty and precious metals that are securely stored in private, insured, Swiss and Panama Duty Free Zone vaults.

Our Business is not Stocks, Bonds, Share Certificates, ETFs, or Futures Contracts. We only deal in real assets.

Our Business is the future. And the future is now. The foundation of current and emerging technology is rare and strategic specialty metals!

Five years ago, The Swiss Metal Group realized there was a growing need for people to protect their assets from currency devaluation, and exchange their paper cash into real assets such as physical metal ownership. In partnership with some of the most reputable metal traders in the world, we offer rare strategic metals to the public, as a contingency to secure and preserve wealth.

Not so many years ago, these metals could only be purchased by the metric ton (2204.6 lbs) by manufacturers or metal traders. Swissmetal Inc. (SMI) now makes these specialty metals available to individual citizens and institutions in smaller quantities. We exposure across different metals in combinations we refer to as baskets, or as a standalone allocation metal.

Since launch, our group (SMI, SMH AG, SMH Panama, and SMO) have converted over 300 million USD of devaluing cash into real metal

assets for the benefit of European and

American clients. The value of these assets has increased in value an average of 12-15% per year since launch.

Swissmetal Inc. (SMI) purchases the metals directly from some of the oldest and most experienced metal traders in the world. Swissmetal Inc. (SMI) in cooperation with these reputable traders created this unique and proven business model, which allows you to own these rare strategic metals, diversify your overall portfolio, and protect you and your family from inflation and vulnerable capital markets.

Our ‘baskets’ contain the metals Indium, Hafnium, Gallium, Bismuth, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tungsten, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Chromium, Zirconium, Rhenium, Dysprosium, Germanium, and Niobium.

People who prefer a more aggressive approach to strategic metal ownership beyond the conservative basket program can participate in the Stand Alone Metal Program.

In the long term, you will benefit from the rapid growth of the world’s developing countries, and new emerging technologies, requiring metals that are increasing in value every year. Rare and strategic specialty metals have a relatively finite supply each year, are in ever-increasing demand, and are controlled by the Chinese. China is determined to raise the values of these metals, due to their incredible demand, to reflect their correct market value. This in turn creates a profitable ‘new’ asset protection class to compliment precious metals.

Precious metals

In addition to strategic metals, SMI offers precious metals in any form available. From granules to LBME certified bars to coins.

Because the industry prefers granulate form, it is our most popular option for silver. All bars and granules are .9999 pure.

About Us

Swissmetal Inc (SMI) stores the clients’ metal assets physically in Bank Level 1 security vaults. We offer two highly secure vaults with storage facilities within Duty Free Zones, located in Zurich, Switzerland and Panama City, Panama, which metals owners can view any time.

There are various crosschecks for control and security as your metal moves towards storage. After purchasing a metal basket, silver, or gold, the client will receive a Deed of Ownership or Precious Metal Statement. These documents will have an account number and a storage number. The documenting of the shipment and storage consists of this storage number and a charge number. The charge number links the metals from the source mine to the refinery and finally to the metal supplier.

The storage number is the tracking link for all the movements of your metals until they are stored in our bonded customs warehouse. A bonded warehouse is a goods warehouse for the interim storage of goods, duty, and taxes unpaid. These warehouses are subject to official bond, which means they are approved and administered by the customs authorities.

Every Deed will show the baskets, amount of goods, the purity, as well as the storage number. This serves as your proof of ownership. The identity of the buyer is not public. Prior to delivering the metals, the customs authorities can

randomly check the contents, the amount, and the purity of the metals.

Upon arrival at the customs warehouse, the metals will be checked again and the freight will be unloaded. Finally, when the assets are placed in the vault, the rare metals, silver, or gold will be checked for the last time.

On the customs forms, the storage numbers are always indicated. Therefore, it can be confirmed at any time, what account number (client) is the actual owner of a particular basket, silver or gold. The person owing the account number is not public and strictly protected, providing Swissmetal Inc (SMI) clients with a high level of privacy and reporting flexibility.

The owner can visit the vault any time they desire and can take the metals home if they choose. The client simply needs to bring the Deed of Ownership and their passport. A word of warning though… Any metals removed from the vault and taken out of the duty free zone are subject to VAT. However, if the metals are resold on behalf of the client, and the transaction takes place within the free zone, then no VAT is applied. There are no taxes applied in Switzerland or Panama when buying or reselling.

Security and Ownership Advantages of Rare Strategic Metal Ownership

•You physically own the metals 100%•No unsecured paper or empty promises•Exempt from sales tax in Duty Free Zones•Secure, 100% allocated, independent, and

private storage in Switzerland or Panama•Genuinely crisis-proof real asset value•Anonymous ownership

Advantages of Offshore Duty Free Zone Storage

•Private, secure, safe from confiscation in a foreign jurisdiction

•Excellent modern infrastructure•No customs duties or sales tax on resale

from the zone•Independent Customs supervision and

verification•Unlimited storage time•Motion and Vibration Sensors•Access to vault with Customs escort only•Full insurance coverage of your metals

while in storage

Why Own Rare, Strategic and Specialty Metals?

These metals are vital to 95% the manufacturing of established products today. And to the emerging technologies of tomorrow.

National Geographic Magazine summed it up perfectly in a 2011 article when they referred to these metals as the “Secret ingredients in almost everything.” Few think about how different our lives would be without them. Imagine a world without modern land, sea and air transportation, computers, cell phones, iPods, LCD monitors, surgical lasers, jet engines, cosmetics, medicines, ointments and creams, even the clothing you are currently wearing. These are just a few of the myriad of applications.

The world has seen a dramatic increase in the use of rare strategic metals in modern, leading edge technology over the past decade. Industrial demand continues to exceed the metal production. This factor both creates their intrinsic value and explains why the price of these metals should continue to increase well into the first quarter of the 21st Century. The recently increased demand has strained supply, and there is a growing concern that the world may soon be faced with a shortage of the materials.

Market scarcity, supply shortages and the current turmoil in global financial markets will inevitably cause a further hike in metal prices overall. Historically, metals are considered the mother of all material property. Rare strategic specialty metal values are based on supply and demand, as compared to manipulation and speculation in precious metal markets. They work to protect your wealth in the same way as precious metals, but are much less prone to drastic swings in prices.

In the short term, you can take comfort in knowing at least some of your accumulated wealth is now in valuable, high-demand specialty and precious metals rather than paper and digital currency. And your assets are safe in private, secure, insured overseas vaults, where only you can remove the metals, or order a re-sale.

SMI metals meet the standards of purity and form and are ready for use by

industry or for personal ownership, and are packed for extended storage, as an allocated, segregated, physical substitute for vulnerable paper or digital assets.

SMI metals are not radioactive, toxic, inflammable, or corrosive and are not subject to natural decay, as this would have unacceptable detrimental effects on their shelf life.

SMI rare and strategic specialty metal Indium is a great example of the supply and demand dynamic around these metals.

Example metal, Indium: One flat screen TV uses 5-10 grams of Indium. It is also needed for many other consumer electronics and in the new, more efficient solar panels. The average modern home and its contents contain around 50 grams of Indium. With 200 million households getting electricity for the first time in India, this creates an Indium demand of an estimated 600 tons per year for the next 5 years, just for India alone. In addition, India has decided to put solar panels on every government building in the country. With current world production at 600 tons per year, you can see the demand for Indium will be driving up the value over the next 10 years.

China now controls 97% of the refined end product while having only 40% of the worldwide reserves of these metals. They also use the most. According to an assessment by experts, China will need about one quarter of all the rare strategic metals available globally outside of China, to meets its future strategic economic plans and goals.

Due to the fact the exploitation of new deposits can take many years, mining enterprises are unable to increase their supply in the short run. The current supply bottlenecks causing the inflationary effect on the metals market at this time is due to the lack of new mine openings in the recent past. Though new mines are in the planning stages, this is a lengthy process. Annually, Germany by itself imports approximately 20Bn. Euros worth of metallic raw materials. The shortage of supply and the current upheavals of the global financial markets will help boost rare, strategic and specialty metal prices for the near future.

Rare Strategic Metal Baskets

Basket A - All Key Industries Basket C - Construction & Engineering Basket D - Defense and Aviation Basket E - Emerging Technology

2 kilograms Indium3 kilograms Hafnium2 kilograms Gallium7 kilograms Tellurium8 kilograms Tantalum47.4 kilograms Bismuth

4 kilograms Tantalum20 kilograms Molybdenum20 kilograms Chromium20 kilograms Cobalt20 kilograms Zirconium20 kilograms Tungsten

1 kilogram Rhenium5 kilograms Tantalum5 kilograms Indium5 kilograms Gallium20 kilograms Tungsten

6 kilogram Rhenium5 kilograms Dysprosium2 kilograms Germanium10 kilograms Niobium15 kilograms Silver

Metal BasketEmerging Technology

Engine bearingFlat screens and touch screensMedical technologySolar technologyIlluminating diodesDisplays (cell phone, navigation screens)Transparent electronicsSpace industrySpecial coatingsLED lights

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World annual production of approx.: 600 t

Melting point: 156.6° CSpecific gravity: 7.31 g/cm³Color: Silvery White GlossyBoiling point: 2,080° CHeat of evaporation: 231.8 kJ/mol

IndiumAtomic mass: 114.818 amu

Density: 7.310 g/cm3Atomic radius: 156 pm

In 49

Specifications Applications

It is the year 1863. In the Battle of Gettysburg, the troops of the Northern and Southern States are facing each other grimly. It was perhaps the most crucial clash of the American Civil War. And among its bloodiest. After three days of gun smoke, cannon fire, and saber rattling, 44,000 men withdraw from fighting due to injury. Both sides reported around 5,500 deaths.

On the other side of the Atlantic, in the tranquil Freiberg, two German chemists Ferdinand Reich and Theodor Richter were hardly aware of the fighting. They were busy analyzing a sample for traces of thallium

when they encountered an indigo spectral line. Soon they realized, they have discovered

a new element.

An element, whose name was later coined after the color of the spectral line: Indium. It was

presented to the public in large amounts for the first time in 1867 at the World Exhibition in Paris.

Its commercial use as a coating for bearings in aircraft engines began during the Second World War. Already, Indium was getting ready to take over the world. It is found today in all Liquid Crystal Displays, touch screens, iPhones, flat screens, cell phones as well as computers which are amongst the most popular items of the 21st Century.

As early as 2006, 230 tons of the total world annual production of 600 tons was needed for the production of displays alone, and by 2030 the renowned Fraunhofer Institute of Germany predicts a huge annual demand of 1,580 tons. More than fifty percent of the production comes from China, the biggest supplier. The largest deposits of the world‘s reserves are also found there, an estimated 8,000 of a total of 11,000 tons. The shiny silvery indium is very soft in its pure form. You could carve figures from it or notch it with your fingernail. But it does defend itself while being bent. The crystals disintegrate, reorient themselves, and produce a squeaking noise, they literally cry; similar to the way the thousands of wounded soldiers cried at Gettysburg.

LaserLED lightsIlluminating diodesIntegrated circuits / computer chipsPharmaceuticalsSolar cells used as electricity for satellitesAlloying constituent within dental technologyNon-toxic mercury substituteFuel cellsWafers

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Gallium

Ga 31


Melting point: 29.8° CSpecific gravity: 5.91 g/cm³Color: Silvery WhiteBoiling point: 2,204° CHeat of evaporation: 256 kJ/mol

SpecificationsApplications

Atomic mass: 69.723 amu


The year is 1875. The small town of Cognac in Western France, about 120 kilometers north of Bordeaux is considered the center of alcohol production. They produce fine wines and a popular brandy made from white wine has given the town its name.

In a small, private laboratory near the center of Cognac, chemist, Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran works under a flickering light of kerosene lamps. He is totally absorbed in his experiments. He does not hear the clatter of horse drawn carriages, the sounds of people down below, nor the loading of wine casks. He is captivated by his search for a new element, whose presence is finally proven in a spectral line after much effort. The element is named Gallium. De Boisbaudrans name will be forever etched in the history of the city of Cognac for this discovery.

This element has some interesting properties. It melts and contracts at 85.6 degrees. Today, when combined with Indium and Tin (Latin – Stannum) it becomes an alloy called Galinstan which is often used in thermometers since the ban on Mercury.

The main use for Gallium today is manufacturing semiconductors. Gallium increases the functionality significantly over that of older technologies like silicon-based semiconductors. The raw material Gallium can be found in many other compounds as well, including all light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Gallium is a very rare mineral. Approximately 100 tons of raw Gallium is produced annually, primarily in China. It is found mainly in Aluminum, Zinc and Germanium Ores. The concentration is a maximum of 0.01 percent.

Noble, good and valuable, Gallium has at least these things in common with a fine bottle of Cognac.

Nuclear technologyNew high capacity power plantsComputer chips (e.g. Intel processors)Filament for lightingPlasma cutting toolsElectrodesFlash lamps with high luminous efficiency

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Melting point: 2,227° CSpecific gravity: 13.31 g/cm³Color: SilveryBoiling point: 4,602° CHeat of evaporation: 630 kJ/mol

HafniumAtomic mass: 178.490 amu


Hf 72


Dutch physicist Dirk Coster and Hungarian and Hungarian chemist George de Hevesy discovered Hafnium through an X-ray spectroscopy of Norwegian Zircon in Copenhagen in 1923. Ever since, this element has been regarded as a specialist with very special tasks. The new raw material took its name from the word “Hafnia“ which is the Latin name for Copenhagen.

The process for extracting Hafnium is extremely difficult. The first step is the arduous task of isolating it from Zirconium to get the coveted raw material. Not

possible during manufacturing, its isolation is a completely separate process. Hafnium

comes predominantly from Australia and South America.

Hafnium’s first major application is its use in cutting high-density grey-metal steel. This

resource, with a global presence of only one million tons, is obviously very much in demand.

Today, steel is most often cut using a plasma torch that does not require any hazardous gas, only air and electricity. A small head made of pure Hafnium is part of its Copper electrode.

Hafnium is not only extremely corrosion proof with a high melting point but it also discharges electrons in the air. Because of this, only a small amount of energy is needed to utilize Hafnium. As a result, the electrode head with Hafnium runs cooler and the plasma torch burns hotter.

Other key applications of Hafnium include nuclear technology where Hafnium is used in nuclear reactors, and also in the micro processing industry where computer chips have reached their present performance levels largely due to the inclusion of this element. This is one of the major changes in the last 40 years, according to David Perlmutter, Senior VP and General Manager of the MobilityGroup of chip manufacturer Intel.

Antiseptic ointments for burnsAntiseptic powderAbdominal therapeuticsX-ray contrast mediumPlastics and printing inkOptical glassEmulsion paintNon-toxic substitute for leadShielding for nuclear reactorsLubricating greaseCosmetics

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Bismuth

Bi 83

World annual production of approx.: 7,500 t

Melting point: 271.3° CSpecific gravity: 9.8 g/cm³Color: Silvery WhiteBoiling point: 1,564° CHeat of evaporation: 160 kJ/mol




As early as 1390 the name “Wesemut“ had already appeared in the German speaking countries. By 1530 the Latin speaking scholars referred to it as “Bisemutum“. Considered only a sub-variety of lead, tin or antimony, it wasn´t until 1830 that it was detected as a unique element by chemists Claude Francois Geoffrey, Johann Heinrich Pott, Carl Wilhelm Scheele, and Torbern Olof Bergman.

Bismuth production depends on Lead or Tungsten, from whose ores it is predominantly extracted. Approximately 7,500 tons of Bismuth was produced in 2009, with more than 60 percent coming from China, the country with the largest reserves estimated at 240,000 tons.

The current and future applications for Bismuth are clearly outlined. The element is used predominantly for alloys in metallurgy and in the pharmaceutical industry, including the popular gastrointestinal medicine “Pepto-Bismol. “

It is rather interesting to note that its immediate

neighbors in the periodic table of elements are in one case, highly toxic and the other case deadly radioactive. This is one of the great strengths of Bismuth, in that it has properties similar to lead and other heavy metals but is completely non-toxic. In fact, it is increasingly used as a lead substitute.

A Lead-Bismuth alloy was used in one of the fastest mass produced submarines of all time, the Soviet Alfa-Class submarine, as a coolant for its onboard nuclear reactor.

Mobile phones and automobilesChemical industry All electronic devices Ultra small capacitors with high capacity SMD technology Medical implants, bone nails, prosthesis, maxillary screws, dental & hip replacements Surgical instruments

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Melting point: 3,017° CSpecific gravity: 16.68 g/cm³Color: Silvery WhiteBoiling point: 5,458° CHeat of evaporation: 735 kJ/mol

TantalumAtomic mass: 180.948 amu


Ta 73


A figure from Greek mythology had to serve as a name for the rare raw material: Tantalus. Tantalus once dined with the Gods and stole nectar, ambrosia, and a golden dog from the Temple of Zeus. He was subsequently punished with “Eternal Torment“for his wrong doings.

A suitable name thought Anders Gustaf Ekeberg, who discovered Tantalum in Columbite ore in 1801 in Finland. So named, because the very stable metal must “languish in pain and cannot quench its thirst“as did Tantalus in the underworld.

Even the modern world would languish in pain if Tantalum were absent. It was used to

light up entire cities in the past, as Tantalum was the raw material used in the manufacturing

of filaments for light bulbs before Tungsten took over its application.

Today, the metal is still used in many applications. In fact our modern 21st Century life would be hard

to imagine without this industrial metal. Tantalum capacitors are small, powerful and suitable for high-frequency ranges. They are used in cell phones, computer and video game consoles, medical equipment, and radios.

In addition, Tantalum is also used as a high temperature alloy in aircraft turbines because of its high melting point. Tantalum is also used in medicine and medical implants because it is non-toxic and does not react with body fluids.

Tantalum’s use in capacitors alone consumes 551 tons of the world´s total current production of 1160 tons. By the year 2030, the amount needed for capacitors will rise to an estimated 1410 tons. Currently, Tantalum is mostly produced in Australia with Brazil and Canada a distant second and third.

Semi-conductors Coloration of glass and ceramicsCover for undersea electric cablesSolar cellsOptical memory (DVD-RW, CD, etc.) Alloying constituent for steel, cast iron, lead and copper alloys Photo-diodeThin-film solar cells

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Tellurium

Te 52


Melting point: 449.5° CSpecific gravity: 6.25 g/cm³Color: Silvery WhiteBoiling point: 989.8° CHeat of evaporation: 48 kJ/mol



Density: 6.240 g/cm3Atomic radius: 143.2 pm

It is a beautiful word, perhaps the best that can be given to an element.

Tellurium, derived from the Latin word “Earth“ is as rare as it is beautiful. Only nine other elements are as rare as this silvery white metallic luster metalloid. Tellurium is soft on the one hand, and very brittle on the other. Therefore, it is perfect for being processed into powder form.

It was discovered in 1782 by the Austrian chemist and mineralogist Franz Joseph Muller von Reichenstein, who at first considered it to be “sulphurized Bismuth.“

Much later on, in 1797, Berlin chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth verified the discovery.

Klaproth was a renowned luminary, a man who also discovered Uranium, Zirconium and Cerium, and gave the name “Tellurium” to the raw material discovered by Mueller von Reichenstein. He wrote: “To fill this existing gap in the chemical mineralogy, I put forward my experiments and experience with

these precious ores, whose main result lies in the discovery and validation of a new peculiar metal, for which I have given the name Tellurium, based on our ancient mother earth“.

Four major manufacturing plants for tellurium have been set up to date. Located in the USA, Canada, Japan and Peru, they jointly supply two-thirds of the world’s Tellurium. Production is about 180 tons per year.

Tellurium is an important alloying element in the cable industry and steel production. It is also used in coating DVD and Blue-ray discs as well as semiconductors for solar systems in the photovoltaic field, which converts solar energy into electricity. It is also used in some fireworks to render a grass-like green color to the explosions. Tellurium is an indispensable element with present and future applications.

Super alloys Heat-resistant paints and pigments Drying additive for paints and varnishes Drill bits and milling Radioisotopes Trace elements in medicine Alloy component of implants, turbine blades and chemical equipment Catalyst for sulphur removal

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Melting point: 1,495° CSpecific gravity: 8.90 g/cm³Color: Metallic Bluish GrayBoiling point: 2,927° CHeat of evaporation: 375 kJ/mol

CobaltAtomic mass: 58.933 amu

Density: 8.90 g/cm3Atomic radius: 125.3 pm

Co 27


In 1735, the same year Sir Robert Walpole, Britain´s first Prime Minister took office, chemist George Brand discovered Cobalt in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. Still considered very rare, Cobalt is mainly extracted from Copper or Nickel Ores. The name is derived from the Swedish word “Goblin“(Kobold), a house-spirit that tends to annoy people. According to legend, Goblins often devoured Silver and then excreted Silver Ores that were completely useless.

Today, there is no divided opinion on the value of the raw material, Cobalt. Cobalt

Steel is one of the strongest alloys and is used for drill bits and milling. It is also

used for highly-stressed parts in mechanical engineering. For example, in propellers or

aircraft turbines. Its potential use as an alloying element and Cobalt compound has made the

raw material a strategically important metal. It is needed in some catalysts as well as in Lithium-ion

batteries and it serves as a pigment in the coloring

of porcelain or ceramics.

The Democratic Republic of Congo controls 40 percent of the world’s market at this time with its yield of 25,000 tons per year.

When it comes to refineries on the other hand, China is far ahead. China supplies about 18,200 tons, approximately 31 percent of demand.

Alloying additive for increasing strength, corrosion and heat resistanceThin-film transistorsAircraft and rocket partsCatalyst for sulfur removal Radiopaque medium for x-raysSealed electrical lines in halogen and high-pressure gas discharge lampsDietary supplements

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Molybdenum

Mo 42


Melting point: 2,623° CSpecific gravity: 10.28 g/cm³Color: Metallic GrayBoiling point: 4,639° CHeat of evaporation: 600 kJ/mol




Molybdenum, was discovered by the Swedish chemist and mineralogist Peter Jacob Hjelm in 1781.

It experienced its greatest demand during the first and second World Wars, because the alloy rendered maximum stability and temperature resistance to the armored conduits of weapons. Interestingly, the element is considered hypersensitive. Impurities of one ten-thousandth of a percent of oxygen may render pure molybdenum very brittle.

This peculiar duality has not tarnished the popularity of the element to the industrialized world. Even some 230 years after its discovery, Molybdenum is categorized as an industrial metal.

Its high melting point, good heat resistance, and excellent conductivity are perfect for super alloys and the manufacture of hard heat resistant steel.

It is found in valves and turbine blades in the aerospace and chemical industries, in drills and milling machines as well as catalysts for petroleum

processing plants. Molybdenum is insensitive to reducing acids and in powder form or blended with oil, the raw material withstands extreme pressures and temperatures making it a high-performance lubricant in a class of its own.

Once again, China is the recipient of this good news. They control 38 percent of the world’s reserves and the same percentage of current world production, making it the global market leader. Other large reserves are found in the USA and Chile. Approximately 200,000 tons are produced worldwide with almost 30 percent of demand met by recycling.

In gas turbine bladesDecorative surface coatingsRefractory material Leather production Dyes and pigments Instrument components in the chemical, medical and food industryCurable surface coating for pistons & cylinders

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World annual production of approx.: 15 million t

Melting point: 1,907° CSpecific gravity: 7.10 g/cm³Color: Metallic SilverBoiling point: 2,672° CHeat of evaporation: 344.3 kJ/mol

ChromiumAtomic mass: 51.996 amu


Cr 24


Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin, a Frenchman born in Normandy in 1763 was a pharmacist and chemist. Without him American cars would not have been what they were in the middle of the 20th Century - Shiny chrome cruisers. In 1797, Louis-Nicolas obtained chromium (lll) oxide, Cr203 from crocoite and hydrochloric acid. A year later he obtained impure, elementary Chromium by reducing chromium (III) oxide using charcoal. The rich colors of the contained salts probably astounded him. Why else would the name of Chromium be derived from the Greek word “Chroma“ meaning color?

Initially, the element was mainly used as a pigment and in chrome tanneries, where it has

remained the most important tanning method. Without Chromium, the present form of leather

production would not have been possible. Its use in chromium plating is better known as a

hard chromium plating of up to one millimeter thickness on steel, cast iron and copper, and as a

thin chromium plating on bumpers, aluminum alloy wheels and fittings.

Probably every mechanic knows it is combined with vanadium to make chrome-vanadium steel which is considered to be particularly solid and durable. By far, the largest amount of the world‘s chromium production is used as an important component in the production of stainless steel, where it makes up around 20 percent of the content.

The main suppliers of this shiny, corrosion-resistant element are Kazakhstan and South Africa, which have almost 90 percent of the raw material reserves according to a study by the United States Geological Survey.

Cladding tube or fuel elements Refractory ceramicsMaterial for vacuum equipmentAcid resistant equipmentElectrolytes in solid oxide fuel cellsCubic ZirconiumPigment in ceramicsNuclear reactors

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Zirconium

Zr 40


Melting point: 1,857° CSpecific gravity: 6.51 g/cm³Color: Metallic SilverBoiling point: 4,409° CHeat of evaporation: 590.5 kJ/mol




Martin Heinrich Klaproth, born in 1743, was one of the most important German chemists. Born in the Harz mountains as the son of a poor tailor, he began his career in a small pharmacy. On the recommendation of Alexander von Humboldt he later became a professor in chemistry at the University of Berlin.

Klaproth discovered Uranium, the chemical element Cerium, and Zirconium in 1789. It was named after the mineral zircon, which was already known in the ancient world as a gemstone. In a gemstone sample from Ceylon, the chemist was able to demonstrate the presence of the element Zirconium for the first time.

Although Zirconium is hardly a term known to the public, it is actually not uncommon. In fact, it is more commonly used than the better-known Copper. Perhaps the lower degree of familiarity is simply because of its awkward name.

The properties of this metal, found in the USA, Australia, and South America, are outstanding. On

the one hand, it forms compounds with gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, and on the other hand, it is highly permeable to neutrons. This makes it ideal for use as cladding tube material for fuel elements in nuclear power plants, where it can easily withstand the extreme conditions in the core of an operating nuclear reactor. Further applications are the deoxidization and desulphurization of steel, or as a better material for vacuum pumps.

Three companies are considered to be the most important producers: Areva in France, Toshiba in Japan and Wah Chang in the United States. It can also be found in jewelry stores as Zirconium dioxide, also known as Zirconia, a popular substitute for diamonds. It is no less inferior in terms of its brilliance.

Light bulbs ArmamentsArc welding and die cast tooling Rotor bladesRadioactive shielding Jet engines and fly wheelsCounter balancesCutting toolsRotor bladesGuidance platformsVibration governorsGyro rotors

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Melting point: 3,422° CSpecific gravity: 19.30 g/cm³Color: GrayBoiling point: 5,555° CHeat of evaporation: 806.7 kJ/mol

TungstenAtomic mass: 183.840 amu


W 74


Tungsten has a patchwork history, dating back to medieval German and Swedish smelters. The name Tungsten is derived from the Swedish words “tung sten,“ meaning “heavy stone.“

Its chemical symbol, W, is derived from the German Wolfram, the old name of the Tungsten mineral Wolframite.

One theory behind the name Wolfram was that it was named from wolf rahm (wolf froth or cream), a reference to the large amount of tin that was devoured when the Tungsten was smelted.

In 1781, a self-made chemist and scientist, Carl Wilhelm Scheele, and Torbern Bergman, a

Swedish chemist and mineralogist, suggested it might be possible to obtain a new metal by

reducing tungstic acid.

Two years later, in 1783, Jose and Fausto Elhuyar

were the first to isolate Tungsten through the reduction of this acid with charcoal. For this reason, they are credited with the discovery of this element.

Tungsten is mainly used in the production of hard materials based on Tungsten carbide, one of the hardest carbides. Tungsten carbide is used to make wear resistant abrasives used by the metalworking, woodworking, mining, petroleum and construction industries and accounts for about 60% of current Tungsten consumption. Less than 10% is used in chemical compounds.

Tungsten, usually alloyed with Nickel and Iron, or Cobalt, to form heavy alloys, is used in kinetic energy penetrators as an alternative to depleted Uranium, in applications where Uranium‘s additional pyrophoric properties are not required.

Stealth aircraft and military jetenginesRocket engine manufacturingMissile propulsion Electrical contact material Flash lamps in photography Combustion chambers Turbine blades and exhaust nozzlesHigh octane lead free gasolineLiver cancer treatment

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Rhenium

Re 75


Melting point: 3,186° CSpecific gravity: 21.02 g/cm³Color: GrayBoiling point: 5,596° CHeat of evaporation: 705 kJ/mol




Discovered in 1925, Rhenium was the last stable element to be discovered. It was named after the river Rhine in Europe.

It is generally considered to have been discovered by Walter Noddack, Ida Tacke, and Otto Berg in Germany. In 1925 they reported they detected the element in platinum ore, and in the mineral columbite. They also found Rhenium in gadonite and molybenite.

By 1968 it was estimated 75% of Rhenium was used in research and development of refractory metal alloys. It took several years from that point before the alloys were widely used.

Today, nickel-based super alloys of Rhenium are used in combustion chambers, turbine blades, and exhaust nozzles of commercial jet engines. In 2006 consumption by engine manufacturers alone was 28% for General Electric, 28% for Rolls Royce plc, and 12% for Pratt and Whitney for use in super-alloys.

These alloys contain up to 6% Rhenium, making jet

engine construction the largest single use for the element, with chemical industry‘s catalytic uses being the next-most important.

The remaining 18% of Rhenium is used predominantly for the applications of platinum-rhenium catalysts, which are primarily used in producing lead-free high-octane gasoline. Other applications include x-ray technology, self-cleaning electrical contacts, flash photo technology, and the isotopes are used in the treatment of liver cancer.

Rhenium is also of critical strategic military importance, for its use in high performance military rocket and jet engines.

Because of the low availability of this metal relative to the high demand, Rhenium is among the most expensive of the rare and strategic metals.

Fiber OpticsCamera LensesRewritable DVDsInfrared Optical EquipmentHigh Speed Integrated CircuitsPhotovoltaic cellsSolar PanelsPET BottlesRadiation Identification

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Melting point: 938.25° CSpecific gravity: 5.323 g/cm³Color: Grayish WhiteBoiling point: 2,833° CHeat of evaporation: 334 kJ/mol

GermaniumAtomic mass: 72.64 amu

Density: 5.323 g/cm3

Atomic radius: 122 pm

Ge 32


Neptune, the 8th planet from the sun was mathematically predicted to exist before astronomers found it in 1846. This explains why Germanium would have been named Neptunium, if that name hadn’t already been used. Interestingly, like Neptune, Germanium was “predicted” about 20 years before it was discovered.

In 1869, Russian chemist Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev predicted an element existed between silicon and tin in his periodic table. 16 years later, another scientist discovered this mineral in a mine close to Freiberg Saxony. Yet another scientist,

chemist Chemens Winkler, analyzed the mineral and proved it was a combination

of silver, sulphur, and a new element. He named the element Germanium, after his

beloved homeland Germany.

Originally it was almost exclusively used for semi-conductors. In 1948, a germanium transistor

created high demand in solid state conductors.

Today, Germanium is found in applications related to fiber optics, infrared optics, and solar cell applications. While there is experimentation for use in pharmaceuticals, any applications there are unproven.

Because of its low optical dispersion, Germanium is useful in wide angle camera lenses and optical fibers. It’s also a catalyst for polymerization and used in a PET plastic bottle made in Japan. A large percentage is found in solar energy applications.

A large percentage of Germanium comes from countries not friendly to the “west”. China produces 71%, and Russia produces 4%. Only 2.5% comes from the U.S.

Germanium was “predicted” before it was actually discovered. Swissmetal Inc. predicts it will continue to have a strong demand, and limited supply, for many years to come.

Laser and Commercial LightingNuclear ReactorsData Storage Applications (Hard Disks)Drive Motors in Electric VehiclesTransducersWide Band Mechanical ResonatorsHigh-Precision Liquid Fuel InjectorsDosimetersCatalystsAdiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerators

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Dysprosium

Dy 66


Melting point: 1,407° CSpecific gravity: 8.54 g/cm³Color: Silvery WhiteBoiling point: 2,562° CHeat of evaporation: 289 kJ/mol




One of the metals Swissmetal Inc. is most excited about right now, is also listed as most “at risk” for supply shortages by the EU. Dysprosium may be found in many minerals including xenotime, ferusonite, gadolinite, euxenite, polycrase, blomstrandine and monzinite, but it is extremely challenging to separate. This explains why its name in Greek means “Difficult to get at.”

First identified in 1886 by Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in Paris, Dysprosium can be cut with a knife, tarnishes slowly in air, and burns readily.

Dysprosium is vital in a wide range of applications and industries ranging from Nuclear to Refrigeration, and laser materials and commercial lighting to automotive.

One of its more exciting applications is in electric and hybrid electric vehicles, which are being strongly promoted in both China and the EU. This industry alone requires over 100 grams of Dysprosium in the drive motors for every car produced. Toyota’s projected 2 million cars per year output alone will

require more dysprosium than is currently available.

Dysprosium is also used to measure radiation, and in metal-halide lamps. It is used to reinforce other materials, as a catalyst, and in high-precision liquid fuel injectors.

During a recent European Union study, only 8 metals were listed as “At Risk” for supply shortages as part of their decarbonization efforts. Dysprosium was listed as most “at risk”. In fact, the U.S. D.O.D. expects a 47 ton shortfall in Dysprosium supply needed for an unspecified military application in the next conflict.

Dysprosium is “Difficult to get at”. And the large number of growing applications almost ensures supply shortages are right around the corner. Therefore, values of this versatile metal are almost certain to increase.

Steel ProductionSuper AlloysSuperconducting MagnetsElectroceramicsHypoallergenic Applications (medicine, jewlry)Numismatics

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Melting point: 2,477 ° CSpecific gravity: 8.57 g/cm³Color: Metallic GrayBoiling point: 4,744° CHeat of evaporation: 689.9 kJ/mol

NiobiumAtomic mass: 92.9 amu


Nb 41


Few elements had the identity crisis Niobium experienced. Niobium has stirred up controversy since it was originally discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801, when he named it Columbium.

Later, English scientist William Hyde Wollaston mistakenly determined Columbium was identical to Tantalum.

Heinrich Rose argued the Columbium mineral sample contained 2 different elements. Since Tantalum was named after the Greek God Tantalus, he named the 2 new elements after Tantalus’s daughter Niobe (Niobium) and son Pelos (Pelopium).

After 100 years of controversy, the name officially changed to Niobium. But some

American Metallurgists still refer to it as Columbium.

Niobium’s main use is in structural steel and super alloys. And because of its temperature

stability, it’s useful in liquid rocket thruster nozzles.

It was actually used on the Apollo Lunar Modules.

A small portion finds use in electronics and super conductors, and also in the arc-tube seals of high pressure sodium vapor lamps.

Niobium takes on a bluish tinge when exposed to air at room temperature for long periods. Because its color can be changed via anodization, it is used for numismatic coins and jewelry.

It’s perfect for super conducting magnets like those used in the nuclear industry. And it’s inert, so safe to use in pacemakers and other medical applications.

Regardless of what you call it, Niobium’s continued demand in welding, nuclear, optics, numismatics, jewelry, super alloys and medical industries gives it strong future growth opportunities and makes a great addition to any portfolio.

Currency, jewellery and silverwareAntibacterials prevention and water filtrationElectrical engineeringPhotography and electronics Solar technology Plasma screensMedical technologyRFID chipsBatteriesCatalysts

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Silver

Ag 47


Melting point: 961.78° CSpecific gravity: 10.49 g/cm³Color: Shiny WhiteBoiling point: 2,162° CHeat of evaporation: 255 kJ/mol




One thing has been clear to humanity for about seven thousand years. Silver is a metal with a bright future in the truest sense of the term. Though it has been popular mainly for making coins and jewelry, in the last few decades it has become an indispensable industrial metal.

Unlike Gold, which strictly speaking has no particular use other than its beautiful appearance, Silver is beautiful and has several unique characteristics.

No other metal reflects light or conducts electricity better, making it hard to imagine modern electronics in vehicles or the entertainment industry without Silver. Silver performs excellent in high-performance applications where any loss of signal is unacceptable.But this just one example.

Optical and heat reflectors would not be nearly as effective without Silver. Alloy and solder quality would suffer without Silver. With a wide spectrum of applications ranging from catalysts to dental technology, it is not surprising that Silver is one of the most sought after industrial metals.

Silver has been used as currency for thousands of years, and in many cultures and civilizations. Even today, the mention of Silver in many languages induces visions of money.

Demand now outstrips supply and as China has stepped their imports up, this has put further strain on the Silver market. As the demand continues to increase, and supply dwindles, the market for this shiny metal is certain to increase rapidly.

Silver production has averaged around 21,000 tons in the last few years, and the largest producers are Peru, Mexico, and China. Both the Fraunhofer Institute and the Rhine-Westphalia Institute for Economic Research, in Germany, predict worldwide Silver shortages in the near future.

For individuals looking for a less conservative approach to Rare Strategic Metals ownership, Swissmetal Inc. is proud to introduce our brand new single metals program. With the help of our experts, you’ll select one, two, or more single metals expected to experience a major supply shortfall in the short to medium term.

Swissmetal Inc. baskets take a conservative approach by diversifying in a number of different metals. This diversification acts as a hedge against inflation and providesgood long term growth.

By purchasing a number of individual metals as a more direct play, you have the opportunity to better capitalize on critical supply shortages, more pronounced for single metals.

This new program gives you a balanced strategy. Diversified baskets for wealth preservation and conservative growth - combined with single metals experiencing volatile supply issues and poised for larger windfall profits.

This opportunity is more aggressive and hands on than baskets, and isn’t for everyone. A minimum purchase is required to participate, giving you the best opportunity for profit in this exciting new program.

Bigger Profits Faster With Our Brand New Single Metal Program

Liberate your I.R.A. or 401K with Rare Strategic Metals

One of the best opportunities available to anyone looking to preserve their wealth is the Individual Retirement Arrangement (I.R.A.) or 401K. Because they mature tax-free or tax deferred, they offer

amazing opportunity for compounding profits.

Most administrators and custodians of self-directed plans may tell you owning strategic metals aren’t possible. However, experts with many years of industry experience, have uncovered a simple, I.R.S. compliant

strategy, for owning, and profiting from Rare Strategic Metals.

Americans currently hold around 5.7 trillion dollars in their retirement plans. But many people are rightly concerned about their future value, coupled with any devaluing cash they hold. Most retirement plans are invested

in unpredictable and underperforming capital market investment tightly tied to the value of the U.S. Dollar, and other paper assets.

Other investors are worried about pending nationalization of their retirement assets. This is looking more likely as the government searches for ways to pay for entitlements, never ending military action, and other failing fiscal policies.

Some call the new proposed myRA plan (The new proposed retirement account announced during Obama’s State of the Union Address) a step in that direction, but there are other less publicized, and potentially more devious actions as well.

Individuals complain their plans are inflexible, restrictive, and do not allow users to hold the assets they prefer.

Swissmetal Inc. has teamed up with custodians and industry experts who have developed a legal strategy for physical ownership of Rare Strategic and Precious Metals. The physical assets in your I.R.A. can be kept safely offshore in insured, bank level secure vaults.

You’ll see all the wealth preservation and potential profit benefits of rare strategic metals, along with the compounding tax-free or deferred profits of a retirement plan. You’ll also get confiscation and theft proof security and duty and tax free sales thanks to free trade zones in Panama or Switzerland.

While mostly unheard of, owning Rare Strategic Metals in your I.R.A. or 401K is simple to set up. Our network of professionals can have your retirement plan supercharged in as little as a few weeks.

Swissmetal Inc. has published an informative guide, available free, which explains why your I.R.A. is perhaps the best vehicle available for owning strategic metals, and outlining a simple 3-step strategy for accomplishing your retirement goals.

Ask your representative for a copy. Or download it immediately at http://www.swissmetal.net/extras/3-steps.

Swissmetal Inc. is proud to be affiliated with numerous high end, reputable Financial Advisory Groups that conduct strict, thorough due diligence. Bob Bauman, legal counsel for the Agora Group conducted his own due diligence on our company and put us forward to present and exhibit at Agora Financial and Sovereign Society. In addition, we are Pillar I advisors for the Oxford Club.

It is reassuring to be recommended for asset protection by the likes of Live and Invest Overseas, Hemispheres Group, Global Wealth Protection, and their subgroup Escape Wealth.

Financial Times Germany, Euonic Magazine and Foonds and many other prestigious publications have written and printed exceptional articles about Swissmetal Inc. and the rare, strategic metals we sell to investors, enabling them to benefit from physical ownership of this New Asset Class. It was an honor for Swissmetal Inc. to be interviewed by Deutsche Welle or DW, Germany’s International Television Broadcaster, with news being delivered in 30 different languages.

The above mentioned are just a few Financial Advisory Groups our company is affiliated with and a copy of any of these articles or interviews can be sent on request.

Strict, Thorough, and Individual Due Diligence

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The Secret Ingredients of Everything

In 2011, National Geographic wrote a report on these metals named “The secret

ingredients of almost everything.”

They are used in 95% of everything in and around your house, industry, medical

technolgy, aviation, military and eveything in-between.

Asset Strategies International

1700 Rockville Pike, Suite 400

Rockville, Maryland

20852-1936

This document is not a purchase contract. No representation or warranty is made by Swissmetal Inc. (the “Company”) or any of their respective employees, affiliates or their representatives as to the accuracy or completeness of such information and liability with respect there to is expressly disclaimed by the company and such representatives.

If the Company receives adequate interest from recipients of this document, it may, at its discretion, provide a formal purchase contract for the consideration of interested parties.

The Company expressly disclaims any responsibility for any loss incurred by any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the information contained herein.

Disclaimer and Risk Notice

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No representations or warranties of any kind are made or intended and none should be inferred, with respect to any of the projections, tables, statistical data and designs contained herein. Such projections and data were prepared on the basis of certain stated assumptions and are presented solely for illustration.

Prospective purchasers are not to construe the contents of this document or any prior or subsequent communications from the Company or any of its officers, employees, agents or advisors as legal investment or tax advice.Each recipient of this document agrees that all the information contained herein is of a confidential nature, that it will treat such information in a confidential manner and that it will not, directly or indirectly, disclose any such information without the prior written consent of the Company.This document may not be copied, reproduced or distributed to others at any time without prior written consent of the Company.

Recipients will be given the opportunity to meet with management, visit the Company and conduct their own due diligence investigations, upon which they must rely solely in making their purchase.

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Strategic Metals Report

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