Mining agreements (MAs) often reflect governments' political aspirations. To allow their deals to conclude with minimum risk and maximum benefit, mining investors must know and understand the motivating factors of the governments of applicable countries, and their consequences. The form and substance of MAs vary considerably and may be adapted to suit a country's particular legal and socioeconomic framework and the peculiarities of the sector of the mining industry concerned. Developing countries are now relentlessly competing for investment funds, offering attractive conditions for transnational mining companies. In developed countries, on the other hand, the desires to protect the environment and to guarantee or restore natives' rights have caused a downward shift in investment priorities.