Global mining’s tough 2014 fight is poised to escalate this year as companies struggle worldwide to emerge from depressed markets, says PwC Africa mining head Michal Kotze. CEOs are walking a tightrope, cutting costs to match low prices. Aggravating the situation are government intervention, industry conflict, greater competition and rising shareholder activism. Companies are tucking into money meant for capital development and benefiting from currency devaluation to survive price falls of 50% in iron-ore, 75% in coal, 80% in copper and 40% in oil, with only gold and nickel seeing prices remain near those of January 2014.