Magnus Ericsson

Mining M&A Reaches Record Levels in 2001

An analysis of mining mergers & acquisitions during 2000 and 2001 is taken as a starting point for a discussion of the slowly increasing concentration of metal mining industries in general and in the gold and iron ore industries in particular. Potential influences on metal prices are also addressed and considered to be low at present. The industry should however be kept under close watch.

A Note on Minerals‐based Sustainable Development: One Viable Alternative

Anti‐mining sentiments are rife in Europe and North America. Environmental accidents associated with mining activities in numerous countries and resource wars in Africa have triggered harsh criticism, not only of mining but also of the metals industries in general. The purpose of this article is to discuss mining industry practices and responsibilities and to consider the options available for using mineral wealth as a lever for economic, social and cultural development. Our conclusions are that not only are minerals indispensable to such development, but possibly the only viable alternative for a better global standard of living. The article is organised into four sections: 1) First, the background to the current situation is reviewed; 2) The sustainability concept as applied to mining is discussed; 3) Transnational mining companies (mining TNCs) are key players and the target of much of the criticism and their role is analysed in the third section; 4) We consider the issue of poverty reduction and resou...

Structural changes in the global zinc industry

Abstract In our series of excerpts from Raw Materials Data a paper presented at the 6th Metal Bulletin Base Metal Conference, held in Helsinki in June 1997, is reprinted.

Minerals and metals production technology: A survey of recent developments

Abstract Technological development affects long-term production costs for mineral producers in both developing and industrialized countries. The driving forces for technological change during the 1980s have primarily been escalation of costs and rising environmental concerns. After a period of slow technological innovation in the mining and metallurgical industry during the last decade there are signs that the speed of change will increase during the 1990s. A new type of mining transnational company, combining traditional international mining experience with extensive R and D efforts and proprietary mining technology will emerge. Technological barriers to developing countries will increase and diminish their competitiveness.

World mining industry in 1998 and 1999: Mergers and acquisitions more important than exploration

Abstract This comment discusses the status of the world mining industry in 1998 and 1999, primarily by analysing data from studies conducted by the Raw Materials Group in Stockholm. It focuses in particular on the strong wave of mergers and acquisitions in the industry that has taken place during the last few years. The main purpose is to review the most important mergers and acquisitions during the period 1997 to 1999. Their characteristics and the main reasons for the continued “urge to merge”; are discussed.

The corporate structure in the international mining industry: The present situation and the outlook for the mid 1990s

Abstract With examples from the RMG Database two members of the Group analyse recent structural changes in the mining industry and predict a turbulent period in the mid-1990s.

Ownership & control of world's copper mining

Abstract The tables on the following pages are excerpts from Raw Materials Data, the database on the international mining industry. Raw Materials Data, which is developed and updated by the Raw Materials Group, is now available in a Windows version including several new features such as maps, geological information and greatly enhanced sorting, search and printing facilities.

Ownership of the iron ore industry in the 1990s

Abstract In 1975 the three leading iron ore companies, CVRD, USX and LKAB controlled 19 per cent of Western world production. In 1993 this figure had increased to 34 per cent and CVRD was still to find at the top followed by BHP and RTZ. This is a unique trend of increasing corporate concentration. In most major non-ferrous minerals and metals a deconcentration has taken place during the same period. This paper surveys the corporate structure of the iron ore industry during the last 20 years. Present changes in ownership and control are discussed and possible future trends are identified.

Competitiveness in metals

Abstract Competitiveness in Metals - the impact of public policy, Editors Merton J. Peck, Hans H. Landsberg and John E. Tilton, Mining Journal Books London 1992

Western world aluminium industry: Ownership and control 1992

Abstract The tables on the following pages are exerpts from the newly launched Raw Materials Data, the database on ownership and production in the worlds mineral industries. Raw Materials Data is compiled by the Raw Materials Group and is the only database of its kind covering more than 7 000 mining, refining and exploration companies active in more than 30 minerals. Readers of Raw Materials Report will regularly get exclusive excerpts from Raw Materials Data. For a sample diskette of Raw Materials Data please contact Mr Andreas Tegen.