The global mining industry needs two things from the Middle East. Diesel and acid. Many mines are in remote regions. Diesel fuel powers much of the equipment for mining, sometimes also the diesel generators for electricity. About half of the world's supply of sulfur, and by extension sulfuric acid, comes from the Middle East. That type of acid is a vital input in the mining process for certain types of ore. The price of sulfur has increased by 700% in recent months. China has restricted exports of sulfuric acid, which is now affecting copper mining in other countries.(Wall Street Mav)