The world of international mining is changing rapidly. Mineral consumption is outstripping the capabilities of both communities and fragile ecosystems to cope with bigger and bigger mines. As grades of ore decline, and community opposition mounts in the North, so the big mining corporations are taking over more and more greenfield sites in Africa, Asia and Latin America to serve the industries of the North and the tiger economies of the East. This book: identifies mining's key players, funders and backers; explains the process of mining key minerals; presents the costs for local communities and environment; reveals the rising tide of opposition; challenges the mining corporations' public relations offensive; and makes practical proposals for alternative mining forms.