What a difference a year makes. Delta Airlines (DAL) has reported a 2Q loss of $1.04 billion, compared with year-ago net income of $1.59 billion. Sky-high crude oil prices and fuel inefficient planes are murdering the airline.

A great way to play the airlines woes is by investing in vanadium. The little-known metal is in high demand due its use in fuel-efficient engine technology. Its primary use is in ultra-light, super-strong metal alloys.

Vanadium is scarce. And there’s high demand for it. This makes it a great investment, says Chris Mayer…