Introduction

Abstract

This study examines the factors which affect the location of mineral processing in developing countries. These can be divided into two broad categories. The first of these encompasses economic and technical elements affecting the basic viability of a project.¹ These include capital, skilled labour, raw materials, complementary inputs, energy, economies of scale, technological change, growth in demand, proximity to export markets and transport costs. The second consists of structural elements including sources of finance and technology, trade and investment and taxation policies.