RP Hosts International Mining Event

The ASEAN Federation of Mining Associations (AFMA), with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines as host supported by the Minerals Development Council, Office of the President is holding the 8th Asia Pacific Mining Conference and Exhibition on October 14-16, 2008 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. ASEAN Mining Ministers and Senior Officials are expected to come to Manila as the event coincides for the first time with the ASEAN Ministers on Mining Meeting (AMMin) and the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Mining (ASSOM). Amidst a dynamic global economic environment, changing market architecture and the strategic role of minerals and metals in the global economy, the event promises to shape the immediate and long-term future of the minerals industry in the region. There is strong optimism that countries in the region will continue to grow in spite of the financial turmoil in the U.S and Europe.

AFMA co-sponsors the ASEAN Mining Ministers Meeting on Minerals and coordinates with the Senior Officials in drafting the Manila Declaration on Responsible Mining which will be considered by the Ministers. The Private Sector Forum on Cooperation in Minerals in ASEAN, which precede the ASEAN Ministers Meeting, hopes to bring out strategic policies of mutual interest to the member countries as well as issues and concerns that will be considered and acted upon by the Mining Ministers.

The conference, on the other hand, aims to serve as a platform for an informative discussion of new and emerging trends with the end in view of resolving issues common to each country in the region while zeroing in on market opportunities.

With the theme, "ASEAN Mining: Fuelling Asia’s Growth”, the conference will walk participants through to the global and regional perspectives influencing the demand and supply of minerals and metals bolstered by the increasing demand from its neighbors - China, India, Australia, Korea and Japan. How countries in the region will optimize the benefits from their untapped resources will be gleaned from country discussions shaped by their respective mineral policies and strategies. During the press conference launching the event, AFMA and Chamber President Benjamin Philip G .Romualdez indicated the need to ensure the growth of the mining industry in ASEAN which host major mineral resources.
Leading the line up of international luminaries is ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuan. Vice President Noli de Castro leads government officials in presenting the Philippine mining industry. The mining ministers of Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Thailand and DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr., are expected to discuss their strategies on mining investments, industry development and growth prospects. Complementing the government policy perspective are CEOs of mining companies who will talk about their projects and present “success” stories in various countries in the region.

Over 400 delegates composed of CEOs, heads of exploration companies, investment bankers, industry analysts, government policy makers among others, from AFMA-members and other Asia Pacific countries and resource-driven countries, like Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Korea, United Kingdom and the U.S.A. are expected to attend the conference.

Simultaneous with the conference is an exhibition showcasing top mining companies such as Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp., Holcim Philippines, Nickel Asia Corp. Sagittarius Mines, Inc., Intex Resources, Leighton Asia, Philex Mining Corp., Filminera Resources Corp., Indophil Resources, Business Profiles Inc., Orica Philippines, Rusina Mining, United Philippine Drilling Co.,Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. and Pilipinas Shell to name a few.

Information about the 8th Asia Pacific Mining Conference and Exhibition may be obtained from its website at http://www.afmaasean.org and specific inquiries may be sent to AFMA@globallinkph.com. Overall, the event promises to expand horizons, provide assistance to develop a strategic approach for ASEAN in taking advantage of great opportunities, raising capitals, expediting activities and tailor fitting business strategies in the light of current and prospective market developments.