Serious question.... As a member of the general community, can...

Serious question.... As a member of the general community, can you buy a "ton of nickel", a "ton of copper".... and if so, can you keep it on your property?

Of course you can. However the cost of transport,security etc is why the mkt uses 'other methods'.

FWIW the way things are going buying any commodity & holding will make a profit in the medium term. However don't get bananas as they tend lose value & form after a few months & join the toxic sludge heap.