ABSTRACT
Government plays many roles in mineral-resource development: surveyor, scientist, landlord, proprietor, revenue collector, economic regulator, planner, protector of the public welfare, educator, negotiator in international affairs. The extent to which government dynamically creates a healthy environment for a minerals industry measures the degree to which indigenous minerals may assist in improving the national standard of living. A national service pre-supposes the availability of scientific specialists and technicians sufficient in number to staff an efficient, even if limited, research agency charged with responsibility for reconnaissance and assessment of the national minerals potential. Government initiative is integral to the maximum utilization of mineral resources in the national interest. The government that encourages the accumulation of capital for research, development, and utilization of mineral commodities is taking an essential step in stimulating a sound domestic minerals industry. The extent to which effective development takes place within a reasonable time may depend upon the laws and regulations under which the mineral industry operates.
