Peter Ryan discusses the event with MiningNews.net in the question and answer session below.



In terms of importance, how relevant is this event to investors or representatives of the various sectors of the mining industry?

"This event is a must for any Australian organisation within or associated with our hugely important resources sector," the Deputy Premier said.

"IMARC will bring together global leaders and national mining ministers from the international resource sector. It will consolidate the various industry conferences held in Australia. This will reduce conference fatigue and ensure people get fully behind what will be the main industry event every year.

"IMARC will create exciting opportunities for Australian businesses operating in traditional industry sectors because it will give them the chance to build new relationships in the mining and resources industry and tap into lucrative new global supply chains.

"A key feature of IMARC will be a mining summit on September 24 and 25. Hosted by the Victorian Government, the summit will focus on global mining policy issues, international law developments, mining best practice and regulatory excellence. We have invited senior mining ministers and officials from around the world (Africa, central Asia, southeast Asia, Asia Pacific and Latin America) to participate."

What should delegates hope to take from the event?

"IMARC is all about helping our mining industry.

"This is why it will be a one-stop-shop for the mining industry, with investors, explorers, developers, suppliers and customers all in the same place at the same time. And because IMARC is all about learning and making connections, delegates should come armed with as many questions about their business and their industry as possible.

"It will be a great opportunity to access industry decision-makers and experts as they present the latest developments in policy, investment, skills and technology. There will be plenty of opportunities for associated industries too, particularly those in our highly skilled and innovative manufacturing industry.

"Victorian manufacturers have the capacity to supply mining equipment for resources projects here at home, across Australia and around the world. Getting direct access to this resources sector will help many secure their future, and in doing so, the future of their employees. IMARC will help make business happen in Victoria."

What should visitors hope to take from the event?

"With more than 2000 industry decision-makers and 170-plus industry experts on hand, IMARC visitors will enjoy a unique networking opportunity.

"That is, five information-filled days to learn about industry developments the latest developments in policy, technology and investment, and connect with suppliers and other organisations vital to their business future.

"IMARC will help our businesses promote their capability in the sector, here in Australia and overseas. It will also provide a platform for business to diversify their market exposure and develop new relationships in the mining sector to underpin growth and expansion.

"IMARC will create opportunities for Victorian businesses currently working in traditional industry sectors to build new relationships in the mining and resources industry and gain access to global supply chains.

"Of course the other great take-home from IMARC is Melbourne and our great state of Victoria. I encourage visitors to enjoy the world's most liveable city while they are here - from its distinct multicultural atmosphere, vibrant food and wine culture to its spectacular sporting events and unique architectural heritage.

"And, I also encourage them to get out of town into our wonderful regions - down the Great Ocean Road and into Gippsland for world-class tourism experiences. I particularly urge visitors to enjoy the energy of the city during AFL Grand Final week."

What are the central issues you hope are discussed at the conference?

"One of our main aims is to promote global mining policy and regulatory excellence and develop partnerships to raise standards internationally. To this end, we have established the summit which will provide people with a broad range of detailed industry insights.

"These will include specifics on international mining law, mining best practice and regulatory excellence and international regional policy perspectives. Plus the need to attract investment in developing resources, workforce productivity and diversity, and meet environmental and social best practice challenges.

"From a broader perspective, the Victorian government sees IMARC as an opportunity to showcase Victoria as a hub for mining and mining services, and to connect thousands of delegates from across the globe to new development and investment opportunities.

"One aspect I would like to see discussed in earnest are the issues and opportunities associated with mining equipment, technology and services (METS). The METS sector is worth more than $17 billion a year to Victoria and as such, is a major contributor to Victoria's economic growth and long-term prosperity.

"The METS sector continues to grow through organisations such as Austmine, which brings together Australian companies supplying the mining and resources sector within Australia and globally."

What are the key issues facing Australia's mining industry in the short, medium and long term?

"The Australian mining industry is currently undergoing extensive and positive change. It is moving from the largest phase of construction and development ever seen to one of production and export at unprecedented scales.

"While mining investment is predicted to decline in the short term, this will be offset by a significant rise in exports of resources that will underpin the industry for years to come. We believe mining will remain a structural feature of the economy in the years ahead. Victoria's METS companies will still be very much in demand.

"The number, size and quality of resource discoveries in Australia and globally is declining, and the exploration sector is experiencing rising costs and lower productivity. Victoria shares in this trend.

"Industry is focusing on extending existing known deposits through brownfield exploration rather than finding new ones. Industry is also currently focused on reducing production costs. Recent rises in commodity prices is a direct result of market supply not being able to meet demand.

"In the short term, exploration is a challenge to be met by the sector. The latest statistics show exploration at historically low levels. Available capital has constrained exploration, but more exploration is essential.

"We must find the next deposits to feed the world's increasing demand for resources. Australia must explore and discover new deposits to remain globally competitive. To achieve this, we need to find innovative solutions that offset increasing costs of exploring under cover.



"Average grades of deposits mined are declining. This also increases costs. Add to this, a longer-term trend in the spending gap between brown and greenfield deposits. Anything to increase capital into greenfields exploration will benefit Australian companies.

"Nonetheless, the overall industry challenge is to find more resources, then produce them at less cost but generate greater output. Productivity increase and cost reduction is an industry mantra. But if we can achieve it, increasing the industry's productivity will pay dividends in the long term."

Is the state and federal government doing enough to help miners?

"The federal government is very supportive of the mining sector. We have seen a range of commitments and initiatives to support them ranging from abolishing the carbon and mining tax to the recent introduction of the Exploration Development Initiative to provide a needed boost to explorers.



"The Victorian Government is also extremely supportive of the sector. For example, we are supporting technology development of brown coal through the Advanced Lignite Development Program and through geoscience funding (including regional drilling) to encourage and support exploration.



"In fact, one of the new key frontier programs is in Victoria - we are currently testing for new gold, copper and base metals provinces using new drilling technologies. Practical support from government also goes hand in hand with other policy initiatives, such as streamlining the approvals process."