The Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (AUSLIMM), in conjunction with CSIRO Minerals and CSIRO Exploration and Mining, announced an international iron ore conference in order to focus on supply strategies in the booming market. Driven by China’s burgeoning iron and steel industries, iron ore exports increased for the fifth year in a row in 2006, as international trade in the commodity reached record levels.
As a major exporter of iron ore Australia has been a significant benefactor of increasing demand, earning $16 billion in exports in 2006-07. Capital expenditure on advanced iron ore projects last year was higher than for any other commodity.
The premier iron ore event, Iron Ore 2007, is being held in Western Australia. The conference is the third in a very successful series run by The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in conjunction with CSIRO Minerals and CSIRO Exploration and Mining. The conference will run in Perth from August 20 to August 22, 2007.
The conference theme is ‘Broadening the Base’ topics include technical areas such as genesis and geology, exploration, mining and processing of iron ore, as well critical social themes such as community engagement. With 57 papers from around the world, and over 60 overseas delegates, the conference will be an international event.
According to Dr. Holmes, conference Chair and CSIRO Theme Leader for Iron Ore, though the iron ore industry is consolidated with the three largest companies, CVRD, Rio Tinto and BHPB Billiton who together control 35% of the market, there is healthy outlook that is encouraging new entrants to the industry such as the Fortescue Metals Group (FMG). Consequently, with many new projects underway, opportunities for consulting companies to develop projects and/or optimise operations are plentiful. Holmes.
The principal sponsors are SKM and Fluor Australia, who provide specialist consulting services, while Atlas Copco is sponsoring the Welcome Function. BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Pilbara Iron are sponsoring post-conference tours of their Western Australian operations, whereas FMG is acting both as a tour and conference dinner sponsor.