Recent changes in industrial structure : copper, lead, zinc, and iron and steel

Abstract

All four minerals have seen a breakdown of the domestic oligopolies to more competitive price structures. This is due to world oversupply and slow growth of demand. The oversupply can be attributed to the increase in the control of supply by governments. These governments tend to produce near capacity with no regards for market conditions. Oversupply has forced producers to follow market price rather than administer their own price.

Minerals have been very important in the industrial development of the world. Four mineral industries - copper, lead, zinc, and iron - are examined here. The analysis looks at the geologic, technical, economic factors that affect each of these industries. The analytical framework includes the analysis of supply. producer organization, demand, consumer organization, inventories, and prices. From this, changes in the industrial structure can be identified.