Why the West needs to embrace mining: interview with Anglo American’s Paul Gait

Why do economists and so many in the Western world overlook mining and its critical role in economic growth? Paul Gait, group head of strategy at Anglo American, talks about the importance of minerals for creating wealth, and how we need to re-think about the mining industry if we want it to invest to meet future demand. "The animal spirits that used to animate the industry are in short supply," Gait says.

In this interview Gait talks about:
• Why there's no such thing as dematerialisation of the global economy
• The impact of the relative low valuation of global mining companies
• The challenge of meeting future demand for mined minerals such as copper
• Why is it that Chinese mining companies have invested the most in copper supply growth