USES OF SILVER

Did you know that silver was one of the earliest metals used to make coins. The Romans used silver in this way as early as 269 BC (more than 2000 years ago). Today Mexico is the only country that uses silver in its circulating coinage.

Because silver is such a good conductor of electricity, it is used in many electrical applications, including switches, contacts and fuses. Silver is used in household switch contacts because it does not corrode. Almost all electrical appliances use silver contacts and switches. Microwaves, dishwashers, TVs, telephones, toys and computers all contain silver.

Silver is an excellent conductor of heat, so one of its uses is in the rear-window defrosters of cars. The tiny silver/ceramic lines conduct heat onto the glass, clearing frost, ice and condensation.

Silver's attractiveness and the ease with which it can be worked make it a popular material for use in jewellery. Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Sterling silver is tougher than pure silver, so it can be used to make cutlery, serving trays and other decorative tableware.

Because silver is so reflective - in fact it is the best reflector known - it is used in mirrors and in coatings for glass or other metals.

Silver has a variety of uses in the health industry. For example, silver sulfadiazine is a very powerful compound used to treat burns, and silver is sometimes used in tooth fillings. It’s also used for its anti-microbial properties, eliminating germs!

One of the largest uses of silver is in photographic paper and film. Approximately 5000 colour photos can be taken using one ounce of silver.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

An annual report has the potential to be the single most important marketing vehicle a public company can produce. Silver Standard’s recent Annual Report is wonderful example of a document that portrays a company’s state-of-the-nation. 2006 signified the sixtieth anniversary of this enterprising resource company. It was a moment to reflect on 60 successful years, and also a time to look forward—as Silver Standard transitioned from a resource company into an operating mining company.

To represent this momentous occasion, Red Rocket Creative conceived the theme “Looking Back, Moving Forward”; which honored the company’s rich history and examined their growth strategy.  The cover was elegantly blind-embossed with large numbers “06” and “60”; subtly marking the year and their anniversary. This English/Spanish document begins with a clearly composed integrity statement, that immediately sets the tone of the report and engages the reader. Compelling colour imagery—along with clearly illustrated cross-section diagrams and resource tables—intrigue and inform shareholders and potential investors. This beautifully printed piece was warmly received by its audience.

“We’re very happy with our 2006 AR, and are not alone—we received numerous positive responses from our shareholders. I’m excited to see what Red Rocket comes up with for 2007.” Paul LaFontaine  Director, Investor Relations.

When an annual report is done right it captures the fabric of an organization and helps investors (and potential investors) understand much more about a company than the numbers are capable of. The imagery, the tone, the paper, the colours and the finishing all combine to tell a story of the company’s performance and direction headed. Great annual reports reflect a company’s core values.