Major mining conference in Melbourne to attract industry experts from around the world

DUBAI– The State Government of Victoria, Australia, has announced Melbourne will host Australia’s first truly global mining conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 22-26 September 2014.

The inaugural International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) will gather global leaders from the resources sector from all over the world.

The Australian Government has invited National and State Mining Ministers and senior Government officials responsible for resource development in a host of countries, including the United States of America, United Kingdom, China, Mexico and Turkey.

The resources sector is the single biggest investment priority for Australia. The country’s mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector is valued at A$90 billion (AED 310 billion) and employs 360,000 Australians.

John Butler, Commissioner to the Middle East and Africa and Turkey, said: “Victoria is a hub for mining and resources and mining services, supported by the presence of mining titans Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Newcrest Mining.”

“The State’s METS sector is valued at A$17 billion (AED 58 billion), which makes it a major contributor to Victoria’s economic growth and long-term prosperity.

“The Victorian Government is committed to helping businesses better participate in the mining and resources sector, and IMARC will create opportunities for companies across the globe, including the Middle East, to build new relationships and gain access to global supply chains.”

With more than 120 guest speakers already secured, IMARC will provide a platform for companies that currently supply traditional industry sectors, such as automotive, to develop new relationships in the mining sector.

Confirmed speakers represent a cross section of national and global mining industry leaders and experts, including Brendan Pearson, Chief Executive, Minerals Council of Australia; Andrew Michelmore, CEO, MMG Limited; Nev Power, CEO Fortescue Metal Group; Ian Smith, CEO, Orica; David Overall, CEO, Downer EDI Mining and Chair, Minerals Council of Australia Workforce Committee.

IMARC will open with a networking and gala dinner featuring guest speaker the Hon. Andrew Robb AO MP, Australia’s Federal Minister for Trade and Investment.

Covering a whole range of themes, from the financial environment, competitiveness, productivity, to social responsibility, human and indigenous rights, IMARC will offer panel discussions and plenary keynote sessions.  The conference will explore a range of topics, from the role of mining in global sustainable development to skills development through to innovation to drive the future of mining.

Another highlight will be the Mining Ministerial Summit, which will promote global mining policy and regulation excellence, which is an opportunity for senior government representatives to network with their international counterparts to develop joint initiatives and partnerships.

IMARC will also offer the workshops ‘Mining in a Day’ and Mining Economics and Mineral Asset Evaluation, as well as investor hosted round table discussions, where miners will have the opportunity to talk directly with a range of different investors to find out what alternative sources of capital are currently available and how to attract that investment.