News » AusIMM Conference
Conference programme guaranteed to please Jo Bailey The New Zealand Branch of AusIMM has put together another packed programme for delegates attending its annual conference this month, says John Taylor, chairman of the organising committee. “We have presenters covering a wide range of topics related to the industry both within and outside New Zealand. We have also engaged some highly-regarded international professionals to deliver some of this year’s short courses.” The 2013 AusIMM New Zealand branch conference is in Nelson from August 25-28. All aspects of exploration, mining and New Zealand’s minerals resources will be covered at the conference, which will also celebrate the contribution the industry makes to the future of the community through science, engineering and economic development. Taylor says the organising committee has come up with an interesting mix of field trips and short courses for the opening weekend of the conference, including a full-day geological trip up Dun Mountain for those with a good level of fitness and agility. Participants will travel to Coppermine Saddle either via helicopter or mountain bike then follow a rough walking track to the summit of Dun Mountain. The descent either on foot or mountainbike, takes participants on a journey across the PermoTriassic ocean crust section of the mountain, and past relics of early copper and chromite mining, providing a fascinating insight into early Nelson industrial history. A two day post-conference field trip to the West Coast gold and coal mines is planned for Thursday
29 and Friday 30 August, and will include visits to the Globe open pit gold mine; Echo and Island Block opencast coal mines near Reefton; and the Stockton opencast coal mine north of Westport. “Participants will then have the option of visiting the Denniston Mine Experience, a worldclass tourist and visitor attraction developed at the historic Banbury coal mine on the Denniston Plateau,” says Taylor. During the conference there will be a “major session” discussing the outcomes of the Pike River disaster; and another opportunity for the mining community to engage with conservation groups and the community in an open forum. “We have extended this year’s session to allow greater engagement between the audience and conservation and community groups so that both sides of the fence have the opportunity to share their views.” Delegates will hear from the CEOs of most of the major coal and gold mining companies in New Zealand as part of the keynote sessions, and can choose from a large number of industry-specific breakout sessions. Several student presentations have been included in the programme with a prize awarded for the best one. A number of other scholarships and prizes will also be handed out including the Lloyd Jones award in recognition of extraordinary and sustained service to the branch. The organisers have included several initiatives to help attract greater numbers of mining and geology students to the conference - such as transport help from all the major universities offering these courses; and free attendance to the welcoming session and conference dinner.
The Denniston Mine Experience, a world-class tourist attraction developed at the historic Banbury coal mine on the Denniston Plateau. “Many students have no idea of their career path post-study. We believe this conference can provide them with a valuable insight into their future options,” says Taylor. The scope of short course topics on offer this year has been broadened, with professional speakers including Peter Scott from leading mine closure experts O’Kane Consultants in Perth. He is one of the presenters on a full day short course on Sunday 25 August discussing mine leachate problems, landform design and cover system solutions. Dr Isobel Clark, one of the world’s leading geo-statisticians, will present a two-day postconference intermediate course in geo-statistics on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 August. This seminar is not designed for specialist geo-statisticians, but rather geologists, mining engineers, surveyors, biologists, or other professionals wishing to use geo-statistics to enhance their practical applications or research.
Also presenting during these two days is Emeritus Professor Richard Sibson, from Otago University, who will discuss faults, fractures, fluid flow and mineralising scenarios: active and ancient. Taylor says the organisers have also put a lot of time into organising a “really good” accompanying persons’ programme for delegate’s partners, which takes in many of the delights of the Nelson region including visits to local artists, wineries, cafes and a scenic cruise of the Abel Tasman coast. The 2013 AusIMM New Zealand Branch Conference will also be attended by the Minister of Energy and Resources, Simon Bridges, and the Minister of Housing and Conservation, Nick Smith, who is also the Nelson Member of Parliament. “We are very pleased at how programme has come together and the level of interest from presenters, sponsors, exhibitors and delegates,” says Taylor. “It is once again shaping up to be the major minerals industry event of the year.”
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8 Mining NZ » Winter 2013