The silver and gold munipulations are not the real problem at the core. Because, actually manipulated are the futures of those. Realisticly that has nothing to do with physical metals. Just as the streets in Monopoly have nothing to do with real estate.
The "day of truth" will come when someone really needs a physical metal for a important product. Like silver for making batteries for electric cars. Then the traders - or shall I say gamblers - can put their option papars where the sun doesn't shine, unless they can actually deliver physical.
But of course that will only be announced at the latest possible time, bacause then prices for physical will sky rocket. I bet people like Musk have already stashed as much as possible without anybody noticing. Do you know that Musk is building a huge battery factory near Berlin? Its supposed to open this year, or may be next due to Corona related delays.
He may look like a weirdo, but he sure knows what he is doing when it comes to business.