The industrialisation of China prompted the biggest commodity boom of modern times. Soaring prices gave rise to talk of a commodity super cycle and induced a wave of resource nationalism. The author, who was chief economist at two of the world's largest mining companies, describes how this resulted in a transformation of the global mining industry.

About the Author

David Humphreys was formerly chief economist of the London-based mining company, Rio Tinto, and of Russia's largest mining company, Norilsk Nickel. Prior to entering the mining industry, he worked in UK government service as an advisor on minerals policy. He has lectured and published widely on the economics of the mining industry.

Reviews

"This is a fascinating account of how significantly the changing world economic order has affected one of the most basic of industries, mining. ... The book emphasises the importance of geopolitics for the industry, but also, alongside the secular swings in demand, the challenges on the supply side. The book draws colourfully on the author's extensive experience in industry." (Dr. Diane Coyle, Society of Business Economists, sbe.co.uk, February, 2016)

"This concisely written book will interest anyone who wants to gain an insight into the mining industry: how it has evolved over the past 30 years and what the next 30 years might hold. The book is very readable and well structured ... ." (Evelyn Dietsche, Amazon.co.uk, June, 2015)

"David Humphreys is one of those rare individuals who combine a strong academic background with a wealth of industry experience. ... For those seeking a better understanding of how the mining industry has evolved since the turn of the century and for some intriguing insights into the directions this industry is now moving, this is an ideal book." (John E. Tilton, Resources Policy, Vol. 46, 2015)

"It reflects on the characteristics and gives a colorful picture of an important global industry and its evolution in the past decades. It paints the details of a unique historical phase of China and its impact on mineral markets. All this makes the book of significance to all, specialists and educated laymen, interested in mining, but also to general readers keen to improve their understanding of concurrent global economic transformation." (Marian Radetzki, Mineral Economics, Vol. 28 (3), 2015)

Book Information
ISBN 9781137442000
Author D. Humphreys
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Palgrave Macmillan
Publisher Palgrave Macmillan