Precious Metals '10- Day 1

A beautiful sunny day in Falmouth, and this morning I welcomed our 55 delegates representing Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Ghana, Iran, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Spain, UK, USA.

After thanking our sponsors, Maelgwyn Mineral Services, Delkor, Newmont and Barrick Gold, I then set the scene, explaining why Cornwall's geology has made it such a unique and beautiful part of England. Dr. Mike Adams (left), of Mutis Liber, Australia, our conference consultant, then opened the conference, showing how in the 19th century aluminium was more expensive than gold, and how this conference has occurred at an opportune time, with current high prices for gold and PGMs, and new technology constantly evolving. Mike Battersby of Maelgwyn Mineral Services, UK, then chaired the first session, with papers from South Africa and Canada. Then a well-earned coffee break, to view the exhibits. We have a small exhibition at this event, Maelgwyn Mineral Services, Delkor and MEI having booths.

After coffee Prof. Chris Pickles of Queen's University, Canada,chaired four papers, from Australia, USA, Canada and Ghana before we all adjourned for lunch. The conference timetable can be viewed here.