Abstract
Prior to 1991 mineral commodities generated the main contribution to Albania's foreign-exchange earnings, but political upheaval marked the end for the state mining enterprises. The deposits of bauxite, chromite, copper, nickel and industrial and construction materials now offer opportunities for revival of the country's solid minerals industry with Western participation. The legislative framework for this was established by laws passed in 1991 and 1994, but attitudes inherited from the Communist regime need to change further to facilitate the entry of foreign developers.