Around 300 senior leaders from throughout the New Zealand mining industry atteneded the New Zealand Minerals Forum conference in Queenstown earlier this week.
The two day conference and exhibition, officially opened by Minister of Energy the Hon. Dr Megan Woods, was designed to showcase the New Zealand mining sector to stakeholders and prospective investors; and educate and inform the New Zealand mining community.
Mark Sinclair of yBC was this year’s international keynote speaker, and gave a presentation to delegates about “Awkward Conversations” – something which has clearly become a day-to-day part of those in the energy and extractive resources business. He provided a detailed analysis of conversations about mining, minerals and the energy sector – right around the world, and then zeroed in on New Zealand.
In his presentation, Mark shared concerns that the industry had not previously taken an active role in the conversations about mining in New Zealand, and that in light of the signals from Government, it was time to step into the spotlight and take an active part in the conversation.
He also stressed that the industry should “be brave” – listening to the concerns of the communities and countries in which they operate, and understanding where any common ground lies. He discussed concerns around social licence, and shared that it was time for some of the “older”/conservative thinking to give way to “a fresh approach”.
The conference was a sell out success – it was attended by 291 delegates from 130 organisations.
