ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book identifies as accurately as possible, what occurs in and between countries when foreign investments are made in mineral development. It explores the nature of the transactions which constitute the process of foreign investment on the physical level. The book describes the nature of the relationships which are created between foreign investors and governments in countries where foreign investments are made. It outlines the kinds of effects which are considered in analysing the impact of foreign mining projects. The book provides a broader perspective against which the analysis of individual projects can be conducted, by discussing the economic and other issues raised by foreign mining investment. It provides the background to the development of host country-foreign investor relations. The book reviews some existing literature regarding the nature of those relations, and suggests some alternative perspectives.
