Metal Ore Mining Industry Overview

Excerpt from Metal Ore Mining Report

Companies in this industry develop mine sites, mine and quarry metallic minerals, and prepare minerals for sale. Major companies include Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX) and Newmont Mining (both based in the US), as well as Anglo American (UK); BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto (both dually headquartered in Australia and the UK); Jiangxi Copper (China); Vale (Brazil); and Xstrata (Switzerland).

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by industrial production and economic growth, both domestic and foreign. Individual company profitability depends on volume and operating efficiency. Large companies can afford to discover and develop new deposits and increase reserves. Small companies typically own just one mine, limit exploration to that one property, and operate it as efficiently as possible.

Products, Operations & Technology

Major products include copper and nickel ores (40 percent of revenue); gold ore (25 percent); and iron ore (10 percent). Iron ore is used to make steel for many industries. Precious metals such as gold and silver are used in jewelry and electronics; copper is commonly used in construction.