Stephen Briggs, metals strategist at BNP Paribas, believes that poor ore grades, namely from major mining companies, are at the top of the list for poor mine supply this year.

FORBES: Analysts Look For Decline In 2011 Global Copper-Mine Production

Barclays believes the main reasons for these declines stem from poor ore grades being mined as well as disruptions in the form of strikes, with some pipeline cuttings, and poor weather.

FORBES: Analysts Look For Decline In 2011 Global Copper-Mine Production

Several experts in the field outlined several issues that they said point to a decline in the mining industry, from poor ore grades to declines in drilling activity to misinformation on the investment side.

FORBES: PDAC: Many Factors Putting Mining Industry At Risk

According to a 2004 story by my colleague Kerry Dolan, the son of Norwegian immigrants, Blixseth grew up poor in Roseburg, Ore.

FORBES: Twisted Saga Involving Former Billionaire Tim Blixseth Takes Another Turn

Freight rates hit a record low Wednesday on weak demand for iron ore, poor weather conditions in mining regions and a glut of shipping capacity.

WSJ: Global Shipping Faces More Choppy Waters