ICMM introduces innovation roadmap for cleaner mining vehicles

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Central banks around the world and their gold reserves.

Most obvious measures include abandoning non-essential exploration work, postponing hires and focusing on core-business operations.

Stefan Ioannou of Haywood Securities tees up near-, medium- and long-term scenarios for three industrial metals—copper, zinc and nickel—and explains why he is most enthusiastic about zinc.

"Some bought too much when gold prices fell to $1,300 and now their cash is tight."

"Smart blasting, mineral pre-concentration, novel flowsheets and new grinding technologies are just a few of the different strategies which can improve cost effectiveness."

In recent years the country has seen a mining boom drive outstanding economic growth, but wealth gap and pollution concerns are changing the country's view towards foreign resource firms.

Regardless of who is elected, analysts agree that Rio's Oyu Tolgoi, the largest foreign investment in Mongolia, will be the first and main target for the new president.

"Permission has been granted to begin milling and open pit operations but not yet for underground operations."