ASTANA. December 10. KAZINFORM /Serik Sabekov/ In the global economic crisis the ore mining field has passed the first test of strength. Kazakh Prime Minister has said it at the II Congress of Workers of the Ore Mining Industry. The Premier reminded that the end of 2008-beginning of 2009 were very difficult. "It was challenge of the world financial crisis, challenge to our country, test of strength", the Premier said. He emphasized that in this period, he often met with workers of the ore mining industry and took difficult decisions. Market outlets have broken down; prices on the ore mining industry products have fallen two- or threefold. "But we overcame this difficult period. today is the end of 2009, and the situation is another", the Premier resumed.