I dont know that shorters are to blame so much as the slow down in the sector ....and well if you cant beat shorters - join them!!
another poster mentioned the whole mining service sector is down
just read this article on ABC
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-12/junior-miners-cash-strapped-as-conditions-tighten/4748132
one might think there is more pain to come, but I let the chart tell me when to buy or sell