Metals and Mining: Steel Consolidates, Aluminum Competition, Environment and Blood Diamonds Concerns
Household appliances, automobiles, buildings, packaging, capital goods and even computers depend on metals and minerals. The construction, automotive and machinery industries rely heavily on steel. The containers and packaging, automotive and building products industries depend on aluminum. Computers use gold, and most electronic products use copper wiring. Fashionistas depend on diamonds for acceptance among society's elite. The metals and mining industry might be intensely competitive and subject to devastating oversupply problems, but the economy's dependence on its products will ensure its survival.
