Why rough diamond prices are at a 52-week high

Mining payments to federal and provincial government coffers totalled an estimated $71 billion from 2003 to 2012.

While resource nationalism is still a major risk for miners, corrupted governments can be equally or more detrimental to the industry.

A steady diamond demand in Europe, paired with an ever growing appetite for these precious stones in China and India, are to blame, says Alrosa.

Platinum sector workers will be happy with 208%, while gold miners seek a 150% wage increase. Industry is offering 0.6%.

Over the past decade, the number of disputes that have resulted in international arbitration has increased tenfold for the oil and gas sector and fourfold for the mining industry. And these conflicts will only escalate.

"Prepare yourself for another lost decade or more."

One mining company says that zeppelins are its best transportation option.

By 2018, Canada's government wants small and medium-sized enterprises presence in emerging markets to have grown from 29% to 50%.

But based on the large numbers of juniors to begin 2014 with no funding, experts say the level of drilling activity could be the lowest in years.