Third World Mineral Investment Policies in the Late 1980s: From Restriction Back to Business∗

Abstract

Following a decade of rising price—as well as expectations of scarcity, of mining profits and benefits from national take-overs of and restrictions over of foreign mining investment—, the 1980ies are in contrast an era of reduced opportunities for metals. The outlook of governments in producer countries has been changing. We can expect further relaxation of restrictive rules and a more promotion-oriented attitude to be reflected in new mineral investment laws and mining agreements. The outer form of these agreements is of less importance to success than the accommodation of the negotiations to the realities and exigencies of various parties abilities to handle operations, risk-bearing, financing and other practical issues. On the other hand, there are achievements in terms of bargaining skills and expectations to have mining contribute to national economic developments acquired in the 1970ies which are unlikely to be given up again.

Notes

∗ The views expressed are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of the United Nations.