Here is another recent article about the future of copper...

Here is another recent article about the future of copper
http://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/dr-copper-still-the-favourite-commodity-20141119-11p677.html

A line from the article,"
"Our view on copper hasn't changed," said CLSA analyst Andrew Driscoll. "It is our favourite commodity, one of the few we're forecasting to grow strongly.
"From 2016 and beyond the market is in deficit, demand is to grow stronger than supply and we expect supply to plateau," said Mr Driscoll.

In a nut shell I guess if  VDM has the stamina to swim through tough times then in future it will grow strongly. All 4 divisions strategies are practical. Construction is down but where ever you see in Perth, there are earth moving equipment from airport to city, from far north to south. It is not like mining is dying or anything. Its just that it is not growing as strongly as in boom. In AFRICA the cost base is not as high as in Australia. Rest time will tell.