Education

Sprott is a global asset manager providing clients with access to highly-differentiated precious metals and energy transition materials investment strategies. Learn more about our asset classes through our library of Sprott and industry resources.

Gold Bars

Gold Education Center

Gold is one of the oldest assets in existence. From its use as a currency in ancient times to its investment use and utility today, gold has always served as a store of value.

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Video – Gold: A True Store of Value

Throughout history, gold has played a prominent role in the advancement of human civilization. Seen as a representation of the sun, of the gods and of true value, gold is a form of real money without counterparty risks.

Brochure – Reasons to Own Gold

This brochure explores gold’s unique investment characteristics and explains why investors should strongly consider the yellow metal as part of a diversified investment portfolio.

How Much Gold Should I Own in My Portfolio?

One of the questions most frequently asked by investors is, “How much gold exposure should I have in my portfolio?” We help answer this important question.

Chart – Gold Has Been a Safe Haven During Economic and Political Instability

The current geopolitical and economic crisis began in early 2022 with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and has continued into 2023. As with past crises, gold provided a safe haven investment compared to more traditional asset classes.

Brochure – What's the Best Way to Own Precious Metals?

Precious metals have been a store of wealth for millennia. Owning coins, bars or jewelry used to be the only option to invest in gold, silver, platinum or palladium, but today’s investors have a number of alternatives.

World Gold Council: Gold Market Primer 2023

The World Gold Council provides an overview of the size of the gold market.

Did you know? The physical financial gold market (made up of bars, coins, gold ETFs and central bank reserves) is worth nearly US$5T, almost 40% of the total $12T gold market.

Report – In Gold We Trust Report 2023 - Showdown

"In our opinion, the term showdown is an apt description of the current situation, in which economic, political and social developments are on the brink of a fundamental change of course."

WGC Report – Gold and Climate Change, Decarbonizing Investment Portfolios

This report explores how gold might play a significant role as a climate risk mitigation asset as the global economy is transformed by climate change.

WGC Video – Gold: The Next Frontier (Season 1)

Watch the World Gold Council's first immersive documentary series showcasing gold’s impact on humanity’s past, present and future. A five-episode series explores the metal’s history, cultural relevance and technological uses.

WGC Report – Gold: The Most Effective Commodity Investment

While gold is considered a commodity, its market dynamics and the diversity of its application make it very different from other commodities.

Gold: A Journey with Idris Alba (Season 2)

WGC Video – Gold: A Journey with Idris Elba (Season 2)

Watch the World Gold Council's second immersive documentary series. Join Idris Elba on a global journey that traces the human story of gold — and discover why the element’s contributions remain crucial to our evolution.

John Hathaway, CFA

Managing Director, Sprott Inc.; Senior Portfolio Manager, Sprott Asset Management USA

“Gold is a hedge against systemic risks, including inflation, deflation, monetary regime change, or just the plain monetary malpractice that seems prevalent now, consequences still to be determined.”

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Gold and the Debt Bubble
7/19/2023
Central Banks Flex Gold Market Muscle
7/12/2023
Gold vs. Gold Stocks, An Unresolved Incongruity
6/13/2023
Geopolitical Risks Enhance Gold’s Role as a Reserve Asset

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Silver Bars

Silver Education Center

Silver is an attractive store of value that stands to benefit from major technological shifts in the "Green Economy."

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Video - Silver: A History of Innovation

Silver has been a form of currency throughout human civilization and is second, only to oil, as the most used resource on earth.

Silver Report: Silver Demand and Supply Trends to Watch

Silver, from a pricing standpoint, is historically undervalued relative to gold and offers an attractive investment opportunity.

Brochure – 10 Reasons to Own Silver

This brochure explores silver's unique investment characteristics and explains why investors should strongly consider the white metal as part of a diversified investment portfolio.

Video – Silver: A History of Innovation

Silver is second, only to oil, as the most used resource on earth. Silver is needed for many technologies in the green economy, which prioritizes climate change by reducing carbon emissions.

Report – World Silver Survey 2022

The strength of silver’s fundamentals was fueled by strong gains across all
demand components.

Podcast E26 – Silver Can Do It!

Sprott Chief Investment Officer Maria Smirnova joins host Ed Coyne for a timely discussion on the many uses of silver in our modern economy.

Report – Nature's First Green is Silver

Silver continues to benefit from expansionary monetary and fiscal policies worldwide and its key industrial role in the new technologies of the "green revolution".

Report – Silver’s Clean Energy Future

Silver should be integral to any "green revolution" discussions, given that it is critical to the success of EVs, solar energy and 5G cellular networks. We believe that silver demand will likely explode in the next 10 years.

Webcast – Silver Fundamentals Shine Bright

Chief Investment Officer Maria Smirnova joins host Ed Coyne for a comprehensive analysis of all things silver. With its dual qualities of being a monetary metal and an industrial metal, silver occupies a unique position in the investing landscape.

Silver's Growing Role in the Automotive Industry - Jan. 2021

Report – Silver's Growing Role in the Automotive Industry

Silver’s unique properties make it essential and hard to replace across a wide and growing array of automotive applications, many of those being critical in terms of safety and ever increasing environmental pressures.

Silver's Important Role in Solar Power - June 2020

Report – Silver's Important Role in Solar Power

Silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals. One of the most important industrial uses for silver, alongside electronics, is in photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are the building blocks of solar panels.

Maria Smirnova, CFA

Managing Director, Sprott Inc.; Senior Portfolio Manager & Chief Investment Officer, Sprott Asset Management

“Silver is an interesting beast because it’s not quite like gold, which mostly serves as a monetary/investment vehicle. Silver has two primary functions... industrial uses comprise half of the silver demand and investment uses claim the other half, including coins and bars, jewelry and silverware. Both sides of this story are quite positive for silver.”

Platinum Bars

Platinum and Palladium Education Center

The supply-demand dynamics for platinum and palladium are intertwined, as these metals are often co-byproducts in the same mining location. Each often substitutes for the other in several industrial applications, including automotive catalytic converters.

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Video - Platinum: Palladium: The King of Catalysts

As one of the key platinum group metals, palladium is a highly prized commodity. It commands more monetary value than gold and is 30 times as rare, with industrial demand outstripping supply for the last decade.

Video – Palladium: The King of Catalysts

Sprott Video - Platinum: The Rarest of Precious Metals

Video – Platinum: The Rarest Precious Metal

Platinum is a metal that represents power and prestige. Platinum is a key element in catalytic converters for vehicles, as a catalyst in the chemical industry and even in the creation of life saving anti-cancer drugs.

Podcast S1 E4 – Platinum and Palladium Explained

Ed Coyne and Shree Kargutkar provide an update on the PGM group metals: platinum and palladium. They cover supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical challenges for miners and platinum's role in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Report – Palladium: An Introduction for Platinum and Palladium Investors

The dominant use of palladium today is in catalytic converters used to control emissions from gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines in passenger and light-duty commercial vehicles.

3. Pandemic Provides Catalyst for Higher Platinum Prices

Report – Pandemic Provides Catalyst for Higher Platinum Prices

There is growing interest among investors for platinum's role as a store of value. We examine how the global pandemic has impacted platinum supply and demand, and offer our bullish outlook.

Report – The Palladium Play – Part 1

Palladium is a key component for ICE autocatalysts. While escalating U.S.-China trade wars have hurt many commodities, palladium's importance continues to support its performance.

Report – The Palladium Play – Part 2

Palladium’s rise is best understood by analyzing its unique supply-demand dynamics. Russia and South Africa account for nearly 80% of the world's production, and a chronic supply deficit keeps pushing prices higher.

Report – The Platinum Opportunity – Part 1

Also known as “white gold” or the “bright white metals,” platinum and palladium are members of the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) and typically co-occur in ore deposits (the group also includes ruthenium, rhodium, osmium and iridium).

Report – The Platinum Opportunity – Part 2

Platinum is one of the rarest of metals but often flies under the radar. In Part 2, we look at platinum supply-demand dynamics and explain why we believe that platinum is a critical precious metal.

Report – WPIC: Platinum 101 – An Introduction for Investors

Platinum benefits from being both an industrial and precious metal, 30 times rarer than gold. Many of platinum’s varied applications provide solutions highly relevant to global challenges.

Shree Kargutkar, CFA

Managing Director, Sprott Inc.; Senior Portfolio Manager, Sprott Asset Management, LP

"The supply of both platinum and palladium is rather steady, with both amounting to approximately 250-280 tonnes every year. While most platinum (~90%) is produced in the South African region (including Zimbabwe), a large supply of palladium comes from Russia (29%) and South Africa (27%) and is generally mined as a by-product of nickel mines in Russia and platinum mines in South Africa.”

Uranium

Uranium Education Center

Nuclear power is the largest source of clean energy in the U.S. and is created through "fission", which involves the splitting of uranium atoms.¹

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Video - Uranium: Born of the Stars

Watch this video to learn incredible facts about uranium’s inter-planetary origins and to understand its critical role in the burgeoning green energy economy.

Video – Uranium Market Outlook 2024

Per Jander, WMC, Director, Nuclear Fuel and Investor Services, expresses optimism for the uranium market, emphasizing strong demand, ongoing long-term contracting discussions and potential supply disruptions as factors that my boost price increases in 2024.

Podcast- The Great American Nuclear Renaissance

With the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. policy makers have reset the landscape for nuclear energy. Ed Coyne is joined by Benton Arnett from the Nuclear Energy Institute to walk us through the details.

Infographic – The Global Uranium Market in 3 Charts

The uranium market is experiencing increased demand, driven by its integral role in clean energy generation through its use in nuclear power.

Video – Uranium: Born of the Stars

This educational video explores incredible facts about uranium’s inter-planetary origins and its critical role in the burgeoning green energy economy.

Webcast Replay - The Great Power Shift: Uranium, Battery Metals and the Energy Transition

Webcast – The Great Power Shift: Uranium Battery Metals and the Energy Transition

The clean energy transition has reignited interest in nuclear power, accelerated electric vehicle (EV) adoption and spurred renewable energy deployment.

White Paper – Unearthing Opportunity: Uranium Miners and the Global Clean Energy Transition

A new wave of technological changes geared towards higher energy efficiency is underway. We believe that nuclear energy and uranium miners are poised to benefit from this shift.

Infographic – Smashing Atoms: The History of Uranium and Nuclear Power

The transition to clean energy requires sustainable and zero-carbon energy sources. Nuclear power offers a clean energy solution powered by uranium.

Diagram – Ranked: Nuclear Power Production, by Country

Nearly 450 reactors around the world supply various nations with nuclear power, combining for about 10% of the world’s electricity, or about 4% of the global energy mix.

Infographic – Uranium: A Key Element to Achieve a Net-Zero Carbon Future

As one of the cleanest and most powerful sources of energy, nuclear power could play a key role in helping countries achieve decarbonization goals in the fight against climate change.

Report – Key Facts about Spent Nuclear Fuel

Chemical reactions of fossil-fuel plants release more radiation into the environment than the operation of nuclear energy plants — 10 times more.

Report – Uranium & Nuclear Power Play a Critical Role in the U.S.

Nuclear power generates more than 50% of the carbon-free electricity in the U.S. while meeting 20% of the country's electricity demand.

Report – Why Nuclear Power Plant Life Extensions & Uprates Matter

Research and development on small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are underway globally and generating tremendous buzz.

Video - How It's Made - Uranium Part 1

Watch and learn how uranium is mined and milled in northern Saskatchewan. (Excerpt from a 2016 episode of How It's Made - a Discovery Communications televised program.)

Video - How It's Made - Uranium Part 2

Watch and learn how uranium is mined and milled in northern Saskatchewan. (Excerpt from a 2016 episode of How It's Made - a Discovery Communications televised program.)

Looking for more uranium resources?

Visit Sprott Uranium Watch

John Ciampaglia, CFA, FCSI

Senior Managing Director, Sprott Inc.; Chief Executive Officer, Sprott Asset Management

“Nuclear radiation exposure is minimal compared to the many sources of radiation we could come across in our daily lives. ~80% of an average person’s annual radiation exposure comes from natural sources, such as sunlight, soil and water, while ~18% comes from man-made sources such as computers, cell phones and x-rays. Less than only 1% comes from the nuclear industry, including uranium exploration and mining.”

¹ Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy. "Clean energy", per the U.S. Department of Energy, is defined as energy from these sources: including solar, wind, water, geothermal, bioenergy & nuclear. Please visit https://www.energy.gov/clean-energy for more details.

SETM

Energy Transition Education Center

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Lithium: Driving the EV Revolution Forward

Electric vehicles, also known as EVs, are at the heart of the world’s efforts to reach aggressive net-zero carbon emissions goals. Lithium-ion batteries are essential to the growing EV revolution, making lithium a much sought-after mineral, with demand expected to increase in the years ahead. This means that both lithium and the companies that extract and produce it could provide attractive investment opportunities.

Podcast - The Great American Nuclear Renaissance

With the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act, US policy makers have reset the landscape for nuclear energy. Ed is joined by Benton Arnett from the Nuclear Energy Institute to walk us through the details.

Special Report - Electric Vehicles and the Growing Opportunity for Lithium Miners

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption has surged in recent years, creating unprecedented demand for lithium, a critical component of EV batteries.

Educational Video - Copper: The Essential Power Player in the Energy Transition

As the world seeks to reach net-zero targets and transition to cleaner, renewable forms of energy, copper is a requirement—but the amount of copper needed to successfully facilitate the energy transition is staggering. Learn about this critical mineral, its uses and how copper miners may be well positioned to benefit from increased investment in the low-carbon and renewable energy sector.

White Paper - A New Era: How Critical Minerals are Driving the Global Energy Transition

Critical minerals are essential for the global energy transition as we gradually phase out CO2-intensive energy sources with cleaner sources, including nuclear, solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy and greater use of electric vehicles (EVs).

Educational Video - Lithium: Driving the EV Revolution Forward

Podcast - Hello Copper!

Host Ed Coyne is joined by Nick Pickens from Wood Mackenzie to discuss copper in 2023. From building wire to energy transition and the trilemma in the energy industry, copper is at the center of it all.

Educational Video - Nickel: A Battery Metal Powering the EV Revolution

As the world moves towards cleaner forms of energy to achieve net zero emissions targets, the critical minerals and metals needed to reach those goals are stepping into the limelight. Nickel is one of these critical minerals. It is essential for the batteries used in electric vehicles, which are becoming more popular by the day as vehicle manufacturers and consumers embrace the EV revolution and countries add incentives or build in legislation supporting their adoption.

Video – Fireside Chat: Investing in the Critical Minerals Driving the Energy Transition

A global clean energy transition is underway. Significant investment in energy infrastructure will be required over the coming decades as we evolve how we generate, transmit and store energy. Critical minerals will be essential. We believe investing in the mining companies that produce critical minerals may offer attractive investment opportunities.

Webcast – The Energy Transition Is Here. Is Your Portfolio Ready?

As the world sets aggressive goals to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and move to cleaner energy sources, critical minerals will be essential. Due to years of underinvestment, we believe demand is likely to outstrip supply for many energy transition materials, including uranium, lithium, copper, nickel and others. The investment opportunities may be powerful.

Educational Video - Critical Minerals for the Clean Energy Transition

Learn about the critical minerals driving the global energy transition. Investment opportunities presented by the clean energy transition will likely center around the critical minerals that are vital to powering the planet through low-carbon energy sources and revolutionizing the transportation sector through the electrification of the world’s vehicle fleet. Sprott Energy Transition ETFs are designed to give investors access.

Important Disclosure

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index. Investments, commentary and statements are that of the author and may not be reflective of investments and commentary in other strategies managed by Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc., Sprott Asset Management LP, Sprott Inc., or any other Sprott entity or affiliate. Opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may vary widely from opinions of other Sprott affiliated Portfolio Managers or investment professionals.

This content may not be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without acknowledgment that it was produced by Sprott Asset Management LP and a reference to sprott.com. The opinions, estimates and projections (“information”) contained within this content are solely those of Sprott Asset Management LP (“SAM LP”) and are subject to change without notice. SAM LP makes every effort to ensure that the information has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, SAM LP assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages, whether direct or indirect, which arise out of the use of this information. SAM LP is not under any obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. The information should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgment. Please contact your own personal advisor on your particular circumstances. Views expressed regarding a particular company, security, industry or market sector should not be considered an indication of trading intent of any investment funds managed by Sprott Asset Management LP. These views are not to be considered as investment advice nor should they be considered a recommendation to buy or sell. SAM LP and/or its affiliates may collectively beneficially own/control 1% or more of any class of the equity securities of the issuers mentioned in this report. SAM LP and/or its affiliates may hold a short position in any class of the equity securities of the issuers mentioned in this report. During the preceding 12 months, SAM LP and/or its affiliates may have received remuneration other than normal course investment advisory or trade execution services from the issuers mentioned in this report.

The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation to anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not residents of Canada or the United States should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Funds may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

The information provided is general in nature and is provided with the understanding that it may not be relied upon as, or considered to be, the rendering of tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. Readers should consult with their own accountants and/or lawyers for advice on their specific circumstances before taking any action.

Education

Gold Education Center

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Silver Education Center

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Platinum and Palladium Education Center

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Uranium Education Center

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Energy Transition Education Center

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