Part I Host States, Mining Companies, and Mining Projects, 2 Mining Companies

Abstract

Mining companies are corporations or partnerships primarily involved in the exploration or production of metal or mineral deposits. There are approximately 2,100 mining companies in the world today, 100 of which are referred to as majors and 200 as mid-tier. Approximately 1,700 junior mining companies (referred to as juniors) constitute the vast majority of mining companies in existence today. These juniors are typically focused on mining exploration and often do not generate revenues. Finally, approximately 80 State-owned national mining companies (NMCs) play a significant role in the global mining industry. This chapter discusses each of these four categories of mining companies in detail, in relation to their respective focus, risks undertaken, and types of investment they attract and disputes in which they may find themselves involved.