The mining industry, more than any other, is aware of the problems more than other industries and understands the impacts of the past.

FORBES: Why the Future of Mining Depends on Social Change

One reason why size matters is the mining industry's small size relative to other comparable industries, such as petroleum.

ECONOMIST: Mining

Another way of thinking about it is the output of manufacturing industry minus any influence from oil, coal or other mining industries.

FORBES: Margaret Thatcher Did Not Devastate Or Destroy British Industry.

But growth is getting more expensive, as other mining firms, and Western Australia's booming oil and gas industry, compete for labour and materials.

ECONOMIST: Mining

This constituency has been held by Labour since 1935 and is in the heart of what was the former mining industry, and still hosts the miner s annual gala, which amongst other things celebrates the links between the industry and the Labour movement.

BBC: NEWS | VOTE 2001 | RESULTS & CONSTITUENCIES | City of Durham