The Diversity of the Mining Industry

The metals segment differs from other sectors in its strong dependence upon exploration and acquisition of the best ore bodies and in its greater globalization of operations. Metals producers thus spoke the most about international technology trends and lessons to be gained from abroad. Despite present low metals prices, product demand remains high, and hence increasing productivity and lowering cash costs remain fundamental goals. Metals producers tend to be investing more heavily than other mining-industry firms in complex and advanced technologies such as dispatch systems, high-precision equipment positioning, and super-size equipment. In the future, metals producers are likely to spearhead the implementation of advanced remote-controlled and automated equipment.