Coal, diamonds and oil: toward a conparative theory of mining?∗

Suggestions are made for the development of a specific theory of mining by addressing the role of landed property, cartelization and monopolization. Each of these is seen as having a historically contigent relationship to the others and to the growth of mining capital. The spatial expansion of mining is examined as potentially leading to restructuring of, and conflict over, property relations, and cartelization of markets as tending to precede monopolization of production. The argument is illustrated by reference to the UK coal industry, the South African diamond industry and the US oil industry. ∗ The research for this paper has been supported by a grant from the ESRC, number R000232411, to examine the South African minerals-energy complex. In revising an earlier draft, I have benefited considerably from discussions with Bernard Mommer. ∗ The research for this paper has been supported by a grant from the ESRC, number R000232411, to examine the South African minerals-energy complex. In revising an earlier draft, I have benefited considerably from discussions with Bernard Mommer. Notes ∗ The research for this paper has been supported by a grant from the ESRC, number R000232411, to examine the South African minerals-energy complex. In revising an earlier draft, I have benefited considerably from discussions with Bernard Mommer.