Vast Untapped Riches

I've just returned from Hispaniola, after a few days by its serene seashores and a visit to its lush rainforests.

The island, shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, was discovered by Columbus on his very first voyage to the Americas in 1492.

And earlier this year, Money and Markets' Sean Brodrick was also there, trekking along the border area with Haiti. That's where Falconbridge of Canada has been mining nickel for almost 25 years and where other major companies — like Placer Dome and Gold Fields of South Africa — also have mining operations.