Spaceships 2: Heavy Metals $800k, Radioactives $100k?

[vicky_molokh]

Greetings, all!

Is this right? Radioactives are a rare subset of heavy metals, yet they are cheaper?

Thanks in advance!

[thrash]

Yes, that's about right. The supply of radioactives isn't that tight compared to the demand, especially if breeder reactors are used to recycle spent fuel cores. Platinum group metals have been steadily increasing in demand and cost, since they are finding uses in just about everything these days.

On the other hand, I don't know to what extent David's list accounts for the increased availability of platinum group metals from asteroids in a space setting.

[vicky_molokh]

Originally Posted by thrash

Yes, that's about right. The supply of radioactives isn't that tight compared to the demand, especially if breeder reactors are used to recycle spent fuel cores. Platinum group metals have been steadily increasing in demand and cost, since they are finding uses in just about everything these days.

On the other hand, I don't know to what extent David's list accounts for the increased availability of platinum group metals from asteroids in a space setting.

But doesn't Platinum fall under Precious Metals?

I'm trying to figure a list of stuff self-sufficient fleets would mine from asteroids and gas giants with rough estimates of value. But right now the prices of metals (and the lack of prices of certain volatiles like He-3) are a stumbling block.

[thrash]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

But doesn't Platinum fall under Precious Metals?

Eh, you'd have to ask David directly. I didn't have "precious metals" as a separate category on my list, which was derived independently but turned out pretty darn close to his.

Even so, note that "platinum group metals" also includes osmium, iridium, ruthenium, rhodium, and palladium, which have commercial uses (other than jewelry) and prices similar to platinum.