Improved processing techniques will ensure quality. We do need some effort in ore and mineral characterization so that when we get into the deposits there are no surprises. The capital requirements for opening up new mines is becoming very high. We need to be able to characterize deposits, to better know the quality of minerals before we start moving earth. Copper mines are closing.
Metal prices make a difference.
The problem with gold is it used to be held in reserve to support currencies. Now, with the breakup of the USSR, Russia sold off a lot of its gold, and with the European common market getting together with a single currency, the demand for gold as a reserve has diminished considerably. Then, with plastic replacing copper tubing and fiber optics replacing cable, the demand continues low. Students are finding work in sand and gravel and quarry operations because those enterprises have to follow many of the same regulations. At the same time, current diminished enrollment of sophomores and juniors in mining means possible engineer shortages in just a couple of years.