In 1989, he formed a band, Tin Machine, to play low-key club gigs - but met with a lukewarm response.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Bowie: Pop's most enduring star

South Crofty mine originally closed in 1998 after the price of tin hit an all-time low.

BBC: Mining at South Coffee

Aluminum and tin also fell to seven-week lows Monday, while nickel hit a nearly 10-week low and zinc hit an eight-week low.

FORBES: Base Metals Slide In Recent Weeks On Demand Worries; Better Days Seen Ahead