Jim Boyd: An Interview With The I999 SME President

What is your assessment of the mining industry as we near the end of the 20th century? As it always has, the industry is continually changing. The recent rate of change has been hectic. Many mining-related commodities are selling at low prices. These include gold, silver, copper, coal and soda ash, to name a few. Lower prices place pres- sure on mining companies to increase efficiency through productivity, down- sizing or mergers. The short- term effect of this situation may adversely affect the individual SME member. But the long- term benefit is to build a stronger, more productive and internationally competitive mining industry. In addition, most of these metals and minerals have been historically cyclical in nature, and prices will rebound.