FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE UNITED-STATES MINERAL AND MINING-INDUSTRY

This study evaluates the financial performance of publicly listed mineral and mining companies over the past 20 years. Results of this study are useful to practitioners and executives of this industry as they have a means of comparing their own corporate performance with the industry average. The purpose of this study is not to predict, but to inform, particularly in the applications of a few financial analytical techniques. The mineral and mining industry underwent a substantial change in the late 1980s by taking on large amounts of debt. This could indicate either an industry poised for expansion and/or modernization or an industry struggling to keep afloat after poor financial performance.