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"IRON for iron" may soon be the primary concept of Mexico's mining industry. If reports that President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines intends to extend federal control over mining are true, Mexico will export iron ore to the U. S. only in return for machinery. Actual exporter will be the Federal Government, with negotiations through the Bank of Mexico. Shipments of iron ore, under this kind of arrangement, can be tightly controlled, assuring that machinery and heavy equipment instead of dollars are the means of payment. Expansion of this policy in the next few years can be expected according to reports.