"Burma?s mineral industry again stagnated, mainly because of the lack of modern equipment and insurgent activity. Exports of base metals and ores were approximately the same as in 1973. Burma will continue to .export as much of its mineral output as possible to earn foreign exchange. With technical and financial assistance from U.S. and other bilateral sources, Burma moved to renovate existing mines and explore for new mineral resources. An important agreement was signed with the Federal Republic of Germany to modernize the Bawdwin-lead-zinc mines. Capital allocations for the project were $11 million for open pit improvements, $19 million for the flotation mill, and $4 million for support facilities which include a 5,000-kilowatt hydroelectric plant. However, a West German mining technician was kidnapped near the Bawdwin mine in March. As a result, the Ministry of Mines recalled all foreign mineral experts under its jurisdiction to Rangoon and foreign assistance for Burma?s mineral industry came to a virtual standstill..."