The reason I believe that mining shares are on the rise, is that Germany and France have told us that the global slump is over in their countries. This might seem optimistic, but their growth figures show the claims are right. Lets hope the figures prove consistent, though, otherwise the two neighbours might be back in recession again.

Anyway, UK miners and there are some very big ones operating in far-flung spots will usually supply Germany and France. And if theyre out of recession, their manufacturers will be soon ordering raw materials again. Like steel. Like bauxite, like Copper. Like silver.

Mining companies fell heavily in the recession, as firms stopped ordering what they produce. Some of the falls in share values equalled the horrendous drops experienced by the banks.

Ive said before that mining shares are possibly now a good bet. There was no doubt in my mind that ordering would start again, even before the recession ended. Firms, which stopped stocking up on metals and minerals etc, would need to restock eventually, even if their output continued to be slow. And that re-stocking has started.

I said it might be worth looking at African mines in particular. Africa could be the new India or China for growth, starting as it does from a low base. I am heavily interested already in Africa-based mining set-ups. I may buy some more.

The trouble is I will need to sell other shares to take advantage. And Im not sure any particular sector will do worse than the others at the mo. Maybe I could sell a few drugs firms. Some of them weathered the recession and may now go to sleep a bit as the slump draws to a close. Who knows? Probably not me. God bless