Is mining a high-tech industry?: Investigations into innovation and productivity advance

摘要: Abstract The fundamental nature of the mining industry with respect to innovation is often questioned. Is it conservative, stodgy commonly depicted by its critics or instead a sophisticated, high-tech as championed many proponents? Using productivity statistics, can be shown that rate metal companies directly compares rates associated general manufacturing. This relationship has held true for last 50 years. A significant difference lies in manufacturing sector, which approximately dozen years increases 9.5% per year, contrast and 2.5% 2.3% respectively. number revolutionary technologies developed various sectors over century equate one three century; comparable other “mature” industries such cement glass-making. In contrast, micro-computing sector had technology development roughly four times this. With innovation, thus appears have far more common mature than does sector. Investment basic research within been low relative decreasing. Much industry's present advances appear originated from outside industry, equipment manufacturers suppliers industry. Given decreases R D investment this well government programs, remains seen if maintain at rates.