Anyone with common sense knows that the value of ore isn't just about one thing. There are other subsidiary minerals and even the utility of the slag after refining to consider. But whether the full value of the ore can be utilized depends on the company's technical strength and management capabilities.
As we enter the 21st century, most mineral resources can have their value fully utilized. If they can't, there's no doubt that the value of the mineral resource would greatly depreciate.
In short, having a mine doesn't necessarily mean you can strike it rich—otherwise all those African chiefs would each be richer than nations, and there wouldn't be so much turmoil!
So when those big companies saw an obscure small company daring to compete with them for a bauxite mine, they were truly infuriated.
