For a high-risk speculation in the mining sector, Curtis Hesler poses the hypothetical situation: "Suppose one just received a windfall of money and were willing to throw all caution to the winds; what looks good here?"

In his The Professional Timing Service, the usually conservative and disciplined advisor looks at his more speculative mining ideas for a current favorites for high-risk and high-reward potential.

He says, "In looking over our buy-and-hold list and our list of junior 'option alternative' recommendations, one stock that has been weak is Coeur d'Alene Mines" (NYSE: CDE).

He points out that the company is the largest U.S. silver producer, but that it had matured to the point that their reserves were decreasing and their future growth prospects were not bright.

Recently, though, he says, they announced a deal to buy out Bolnisi Gold and Palmarejo Silver and Gold Corporation. Says Hesler, "This is a big deal. It involves a stock swap and some cash, and the net effect will be to double the number of Coeur d'Alene shares outstanding."

However, he says, if the deal goes through, it will put CDE "back on a growth path." He notes that the prime asset in the acquisition is the Palmarejo Project in Mexico.