For mining and exploration companies, 2013 has been somewhat of a brutal year. Metal miners in particular have been hit significantly this year as falling metal prices, weaker demand, and rising operational costs continue to plague the industry. Popular exchange-traded funds, like Van Eck’s Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ), and other industry giants, such as Barrick Gold (ABX), have suffered significant losses these year; both of these securities have shed more than 45% year-to-date [for more commodity news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].