The value of metals used in batteries for the nascent electric vehicle industry measured for the first time.

Traditional mining investors are reluctant to put money in unproven markets while the most ardent EV backers seem loathe to invest in mining at all.

Many countries are starting to look inward to meet their own needs as well as broaden their economic portfolio.

It's been a tumultuous year in mining and the most read articles of 2019 show an industry grappling with technological change, market volatility and climate change, but still unafraid to take moonshots.

However, everyone is still bullish on the long-term story.