ploration when possible an~ expancinf hydropower anf other sub­ stitutes. But such is in most cases proceeding slowly. In the case of Burunci and Rwanda, although extensive deposits of peat have been found which can be used for comestic and even commer­ cial purposes, exploitation of the deposits is prorressing at a painfully slow rate despite the urcency of the enerry problems facing the countries. 9. P respects 143. At the OPEC meeting in December 1982, no aereement was reached on prices, and production ceilines were maintained. This confirms that oil prices will continue tc ease in 1983, with ad­ verse consequenees for the oil-exporting countries. It is claimed that a fall in oil prices coulc be detrimental also to oil-. importing countries since it wculc rencer unprofitable many of the sutstitutes for oil developed recently. However a lowering of oil prices will mean a lower oil import till for cil import­ ers, anc therefore more resources fer ether imports and for in­ vestment. Consequently the year 1983 may well see an easing of the energy supply situation in non-oil-procucing African countries. 77 E/ECA /CM. 9/5 D. MINING 1. Introduction 144. 1981 was a difficult year for the mining industry. In the international commodity market, poor demand re8ulting from the continued world recession led to a general decline in the prices of mineral ores. The IMF inde~ of wholesale prices cf metals fell by 18.3 per cent. 1/ Mineral prices fell well below the marginal cost of production in most cases, forcing minine com­ panies either to close down or to curtail production ana invest­ ment, and even to disinvest or increase borrowing at a hieh rates of interest. In the circumstances, production in ceveloping Africa fell by as much as 17.9 per cent relative to 1980. 2. Commodity survey (,!'!) Gold 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the energy crisis and its effects on the economy, particularly in African countries. It mentions the exploitation of natural resources such as hydropower and peat, and the decline of mineral prices in the international market. The text also touches on the impact of oil prices on the economy, including the potential easing of the energy supply situation in non-oil-producing African countries.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Economic development