canadian minerals and materials presented on november 2 2006 by christopher diaz simon zhang eddie mo cordelia zeng contents industry overview mining for base precious metals is a highly capital intensive business large sums to explore deposits construct mines once are discovered since the early 20th century costs have risen dramatically risks in numerous long term survival profitability require deep pockets global consolidating increase demand rising durable goods from china india along with less rapid increases supply of should support generally higher prices sales profits uses process digging into earth extract naturally occurring kinds surface aka open pit or strip used if mineral near s usually more cost effective requires fewer workers than underground when deposit lies below after engineering mine construction starts clearing site drilling blast
