Mitchum, we are all entitled to our opinions. Your logo ("stick to basics, iron ore, coking coal,...") reveals your opinion. For most of us on this site, our logo would be something like "the times they are a changing".
Rechargeble batteries are here to stay and will require more cobalt than the market currently supplies. The best batteries require more cobalt than lithium in order to stabilise the lithium. Do you or your neighbours have a mobile phone? an electronic screwdriver? a portable drill? What about a hybrid car? The current hybrids give 100% more kms per litre of fuel, simply because the petrol motor runs at its most efficient rate to charge the 200 volt battery. the battery powers the electric motor which propels the car. In a few years the fully electric vehicles will dominate the market place in Europe, China and anywhere that wants clear air. Peope will be able to charge their car's battery with solar panels on their roof. Electric motors are much more efficent and powerful than internal combustion engines. Why do you think electric trains replaced diesel and coal-powered trains. Ever travelled in a bullet train at 300 to 400 km/hr? The torque of an electic train is fantastic.
Perhaps a small number of companies may have directors who are milking the cobalt/lithium/graphite band-wagon. But that is the reason we do our research. Without doubt there are on the ASX today at least 10 lithium and 10 cobalt companies which have proven assets and these companies are well on the way to coming into production in 2018 or 2019. Their feasibilty studies stack up and the mines have lives of 25 years plus. You can have your opinion, but when we look back in 5 years time, it will be interesting to see how the cards played out.
