Skillings Mining Review December 2019: The close of 2019 provided both reflection and anticipation for the mining and metals sector. Our cover story spotlighted the oldest running companies in metals and mining, tracing legacies that have endured through commodity cycles, geopolitical upheaval, and technological disruption. These institutions remind us of the industry’s resilience and adaptability as it enters a new decade.
In copper, analysts observed signs of stabilization. An expected recovery in copper demand was reflected in financial statements, raising cautious optimism that one of mining’s key industrial metals might rebound in 2020. In the Iron Range, regulatory friction eased when Cleveland-Cliffs dropped its lawsuit against the Minnesota DNR, a move that signaled progress for permitting processes in a region closely tied to America’s steelmaking backbone.
Finance trends took center stage with investors looking to gold. Five gold mining ETFs and stocks led the way in August, underscoring the metal’s safe-haven appeal during a turbulent year for equities. At the same time, safety continued to be a defining theme. 2019 was hailed as the safest year ever for mines, supported by innovations such as 5G underground technology trials and new lab testing methods for mine safety.
Steel headlines underscored the human and financial drama of the year. Lakshmi Mittal endured personal and corporate costs during high-profile legal battles, while U.S. Steel stock sank to a one-year low of $10.16, highlighting investor concerns over oversupply, tariffs, and slowing demand.
The December 2019 edition closed with statistics and mining people profiles, grounding the industry’s story in both numbers and individuals. Taken together, the annual index served as a capstone: cataloging a year in which mining faced cyclical pressures yet demonstrated resilience through innovation, finance, and a renewed focus on safety.
