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” – particularly in light of the surprise move by the government to announce a ban on mining on conservation land (where, ironicially, almost all mineral resources in New Zealand lie). 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 lead the conversation.
The conference was a sell out success – it was attended by 291 delegates from 130 organisations.