Yes, this was bound to happen.

But, it is hard to say where its going to go… but it goes to the extreme, one way or the other.

As silver prices continue to increase, there is a point in time where small armies can be purchased.

Soooo…

1. The cartels become big business and protect their mines, steady output, and basically go from lawless to the law (as in, steady, known rules)

2. Mercenaries are hired, come in, and wipe out the cartels.

3. We get automated, AI, drones and gun turrets that actively protect the mine and miners.

At $100 the mines become targets of opportunity. At $1000 silver, the owners (who ever that ends up being) hires enough military to become the new govern-cement.

Which one? I am betting large, international corporations become the new owners, meaning corps with a military division. Totally not future dystopian.