Mining annual review 1997

Discusses 1996 as a year in which headline stories did the metals and minerals industry no favours. In particular it refers to the unauthorised dealings by the former chief copper trader of Sumitomo and to the collapse of Bre-X minerals after irregularities were found in its exploration data. On a more positive note the increase in exploration activity, particularly for gold, in Africa is highlighted. South African gold mines are under continuing economic pressure and the country produced its lowest output since 1956. However it still remains the world's biggest producer. Developments and trends in mineral exploration (including methods and instrumentation), surface and underground mining and mineral and coal processing are included as technical articles. Regional and national mining trends in 153 separate countries are covered in detail. Indexes include buyers, manufacturers, mines and companies.