Article: Big Miners at Odds Over Whether Worst Has Passed by Rhiannon Hoyle

1. How do potential changes in the Chinese economy affect the demand for minerals as well as the decisions made by mining companies?

2. Why is it difficult for mining companies to get the timing right with regard to the development of new mines?

3. "Mining typically follows an about four-year boom-to-bust cycle...." Is there any reason why they cannot use their historical data make their investment decisions and demand forecasts?

4. Mining companies are facing a potential "high price for mineral commodities" state of the economy and a potential "low price" state. Why then are they visiting factories and scrapyards?

5. How do environmental policies affect the demand for coal? Why are mining companies concerned about their ability to predict changes in environmental policies?