Although it does in fact have a lot of relevance to the modern world: the taxation of palladium and or rhodium exports from the Norilsk mine are informed by it, just as one example.

FORBES: Three responses to Noahpinion

As an example, a business-owner friend of mine leases a new Lincoln or Cadillac every three years (she lusts for an Audi but is loyal to her Detroit Three clients).

FORBES: Automakers: It's The Service, Not The Dealership

Jorge A. Ganoza, president, chief executive officer and director of Fortuna, points to the San Jose mine, which came into commercial production Sept. 1, 2011, as an example of the company building through organic growth.

FORBES: Organic Growth To Lead Fortuna Silver Production Higher: President

The two set up a hospital for mine workers after raising money from the community - the Shaheed Hospital in Dallirajhara is still cited as an example of a pioneering health initiative in India for the poor.

BBC: Dr Binayak Sen: Tribal doctor

And as Congo crumbles, it grows harder to plunder: operations at Ituri's vast Kilomoto gold mine, for example, have virtually ceased since local peasants started digging up its airstrip and panning the dirt for ore.

ECONOMIST: Congo's wars