Yes, I agree to the extent that new mining investments by senior producers are seldom based on current market conditions as the lead times to production are so very longterm.  However, it must be extraordinarily difficult for "international miners" to advance funds for exploration during a historically unique time such as this when the global economy is going in reverse.  Junior miners, I would think, are a different matter as evidenced by news posted here.  The best first place for exportation-phase mining companies to find partners is among other juniors always, not "international miners".  Anyone holding a different view, I will welcome evidence to the contrary.