The scope of this countries' mining operations don't rely solely on America so I think it's a solid move and one that has proven to be lucrative for many, many years.
If you are not certain your adviser knows more than you it's time to find one who does. Also, as for the commission's, mine is set up differently, it's law, so that's not a situation we have to navigate. I've always worked on the rule of thumb that if there's doubt about the adviser then find one that removes that doubt; too much rides on having the wrong one opposed to the right one.
That's cool that you guys don't have commissions like that. I wish we had laws like that here. My brother in law is an accountant with a very successful firm and I usually run most of my investment stuff by him. I actually think he and I share a lot of similar investments despite being through different places. Actually, I think he works with a guy who has a minimum amount you need to have invested and I don't meet that requirement.