Any middle to longer term projections for world markets for base metals (in the least) must look first to the East, not the West. Those who still look to the American economy to point the way for the future are looking in the rear view mirror while approaching a very busy intersection.  
Since some time in 2006 we have had this theory of "The Coming Wave of Resource Nationalizations." The latter has an "s" to impress upon you that we are talking about all natural resources in all countries.