The international dimension of Europe's mining industry

European capital, technology and even miners, were initially responsible for developing many of the world's major mining provinces. In the aftermath of war, and with the independence of former colonies, most of the former ownership links were broken. Yet a variety of new groupings has developed in the past 40 years. The kaleidoscope is continually shifting, and it takes many different forms. Some minerals consuming sectors, such as the steel, electricity, and nuclear industries, and to a lesser extent non ferrous metals, have invested overseas to develop new sources of raw materials. Simultaneously, European mining companies have expanded their overseas investments. European financial institutions, geological agencies, and consultancies have also played an important role in finding, financing and facilitating new mining projects throughout the globe. These tends have been countered by the entry into, and then the withdrawal from the mining industry of most oil companies. Meantime, companies based overseas have been attracted to invest in Europe's mineral resources and metal processing plants. (orig.)