Whatever happened to security of supply? Minerals policy in the post-cold war world
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a widespread disengagement of government from the non-fuel mining industry and a progressive globalization of the markets for mineral-based products. Associated with these developments has gone a loss in the industrialized countries of the 'strategic' perception of minerals and of concern over their security of supply. For the most part this is to be welcomed since direct government involvement in the industry frequently led to inefficiencies and distortions. However, it also carries risks. The mining industry has certain highly specific characteristics and the elaboration of good policy on minerals development continues to require the employment by government of those who understand these characteristics. Furthermore, an increased dependence on the global market needs to be matched by an increased awareness in government of the conditions governing world trade in mineral raw materials and the procurement policies of other countries.
- Publication:
-
Resources Policy
- Pub Date:
- 1995
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0301-4207(95)00057-W
- Bibcode:
- 1995RePol..21...91H