The conference was structured to reflect several important features of the mining and mining investment sector:

• Firstly, there clearly is a worldwide resurgence of investment interest in resources and mining.

• Secondly, market conduct over the last twelve months of platinum and gold has re-focused attention on both the long term and portfolio investment in these and other metals.

• Thirdly, the dynamic changes which have taken place in South Africa and also to a certain extent in Australia, have opened up new and specific opportunities for investors on the producer side; and

• Fourthly, more than anywhere else, there is a growing interaction between Australian and African mining interests as can be seen through the recent spate of mergers and acquisitions - this clearly opens the way to cross-knitting investment opportunities.

In different ways, all these aspects were dealt with by the various presenters.  While the predominant interest was on gold and gold mining, platinum, diamonds and base metals all featured.  Interesting in regard to gold, was a point made by Robert Pringle of the World Gold Council.  Talking about gold as an investment, he said that the internet had brought about “the real possibility that government monopoly on the issuance of money could be broken and private companies or institutions could once again issue currency … what better than gold or other precious metals to back their money?”

This conference, which drew just over 100 delegates (excluding speakers and Chairpersons, etc.) was hugely successful as an event.  According to the evaluation forms completed and returned, the format was judged to be highly effective and the presentations were generally thought to be excellent.  We also know of some two dozen serious meetings between investors and investment-seekers which took place around the conference.

Many thanks to our fantastic sponsors for all their support: