PROCEMIN '09 highlights the current importance of conferences

I had an email today from the organisers of PROCEMIN 2009, which will be held in Santiago, Chile, in December.

One paragraph caught my eye, as it echoes my sentiments on conferences in the current economic climate:

"Undoubtedly, the year 2009 will pose major challenges for all companies that are active in the global mining industry, given the low base metal prices and the uncertain financial outlook. Many companies will be facing great pressure to reduce costs and to maximize efficiency. However, given this scenario, the Organizing Committee strongly believes that the mining industry would greatly benefit from the opportunity that is offered by PROCEMIN 2009, to meet many of the global players in the mining industry within just a few days time. Participants will have the chance to discuss in person with colleagues from all over the world, the alternatives and opportunities that are available to successfully deal with the adverse and uncertain conditions that currently characterize the global economy and hence the mining industry. "

Dead right!! It is essential that minerals engineers get together and discuss common problems and aims, and there is no better forum for doing this than a quality conference.