Revision

Open-File Report 01-197

Version 1.03

This version reflects minor modifications of an editorial nature and selected minor technical content changes based on updated data.

In section 3.3 (last paragraph), the wording has been changed from

Gradual overall increases in copper labor productivity, shown in figure 5 between 1955 and 1982 and 1985 and 1995, probably result from both incremental technological improvements and major technical innovations. The rapid increase in labor productivity between 1980 and 1985 is attributable to innovations that came about as a result of the increased flexibility of work rules and job assignments made possible by agreements with labor during this period (Simpson, 1999, p.126). The implementation of the solvent extraction-electrowinning process (SX-EW), which requires very little labor to recover large quantities of low-cost copper resources, is one major innovation that has helped sustain the copper industry since 1985. Other factors such as increased capital investment, industry consolidation, and labor contract changes contributed to improved labor and overall productivity after 1985. Labor contract changes are considered administrative and organizational technology when included under the definition of technology given on page 11.

to

Gradual overall increases in copper labor productivity, shown in figure 5 between 1955 and 1982 and 1985 and 1995, probably result from both incremental technological improvements and major technical innovations. The rapid increase in labor productivity between 1980 and 1985 is attributable to many factors, including: increased flexibility of work rules and job assignments made possible by agreements with labor during this period (Simpson, 1999, p. 126), facility closures, industry consolidations, mine plan alterations (lower stripping ratios), and adjustments to administrative overhead, these fitting the definition of technology given on page 13. Furthermore, throughout this period, increased capital expenditures for new process technology, such as solvent extraction-electrowinning process (SX-EW), which requires very little labor to recover large quantities of low-cost copper resources, were undertaken. Closures, consolidations, and continuing implementation of SX-EW, have helped sustain the U.S. copper industry to the present.

The spelling of "Peirce-Smith" has been corrected throughout the report.

In section 3.4.4 (third to last paragraph), the wording of the last sentence has been changed from

In each case of substitution, technology has succeeded in developing an alternate form with increased cost and/or performance benefits.

to

In each case of substitution, technology has succeeded in developing an alternate form with decreased cost and/or increased performance.

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