A Metal dialogue

Many are wondering with this new exciting world of metal collecting and investing that I have decided to post a few of the questions that I get from our readers

"Dear Paul,

Here are the few things I would like to ask:
1. Do you know some (credible)dealers of metals in the north? ( Zamboanga po pla kasi kayo, kaya malayo)
2. References/contacts that could help me find true worth-buying silver or gold?
3. Do you go on trips in the search for that in Luzon area? 'Coz if that's so, I'll jump in!"

Here is my response to the above sighted questions:

"We have been searching for credible suppliers everywhere. There are actually credible suppliers there in Manila, if you go to the yellow pages under Metals or Gold, you will find a company there called PMR or Golden dream something, that is owned by a Swiss national. I had my first kilo from them, authentic .999 popcorn silver. Their foundry is somewhere in Taguig.

The 2nd one that my readers have successfully transacted with is philtecgoldatmanila.com where they used to sell gold and silver and has some sort of an accreditation. Some say they have bought from this company and others said that he does not sell.

My metals have also come from Bulacan and from deep parts of Bicol. I would not recommend this route since it tends to be costly. And I cannot vouch for the dealers that I have met since I have done business with each of them only once.

I am not a metal expert in distinguishing the real ones, but I have some tips for you:

1. Unless it is a certified foundry, do not accept your metals in BARS, since this form can be easily mixed with other metals.
2. According to an expert friend of mine, you are better off holding your metals in popcorn or in powder form. (I will elaborate in a separate entry)
3. Go to an assay lab for confirmation of your metals. Never mind the fees, you will be safer in the long run. If you have a prospect seller, tell them to meet you at the lab so that they can run test on the purity grade of the stock.

I am currently doing a search here in the Zamboanga area since there a lot of mining explorations here. My testing results have found 1 good potential source and so far their minerals is entering the phase 2 of my search. This is the part where I buy 100gms of their stock and I have it assayed.

There you have it folks, some key notes to remember!