Despite the drop in mineral prices that discouraged expensive seabed exploration, and blind to worldwide loss of interest in Socialist economics, bureaucrats pressed ahead.

On 9/15/1885 it was forced into receivership after the recession that depressed pig iron and other mineral prices.

Growth is forecast to reach 8% in 2010, buoyed by high mineral prices and the improving agriculture sector.

Copper mining accounts for 86 per cent of Zambia's export revenues, although falling mineral prices have meant that overall revenue is well below the level hoped for.

The "economic miracle" turned out to be a myth, the production of petroleum declined sharply, and Comibol produced at a loss, despite high mineral prices, because it was subsidizing other state agencies.

Economists say the recent spike in mineral prices, especially gold, which hit a 15-year high earlier this month, is driven largely by the dollar's fall.

In 1986, it temporarily abandoned its plan to open the mine, citing low mineral prices, but neither the company nor the tribe expected the withdrawal to be final.

Development of the mining industry in Western Australia has been characterised by its dependence upon cheap energy, international mineral prices and foreign direct investment.

Much of the increase was attributed to higher international mineral prices.

Strong metal and industrial mineral prices since 2003 have encouraged companies to develop mines.