The Conference

The biennial International Heavy Minerals Conference provides a forum for members of the industry to share their experiences, gain insights into technological advances and meet their colleagues in an environment focused on the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.

The last Heavy Minerals Conference, in Durban 2009, was held at a difficult time, even by the standards of feedstock business. By contrast, 2011 sees a different economic outlook, with strong demand for both TiO2 products and zircon, restricted supply and prices at historic highs. Industry analysts are forecasting substantial unmet demand for all products. Several projects that have been unable to get funding in the past are being dusted off again. As always, the technical demands on the industry have grown as we move to lower grade, more complex deposits, in an environment of rising energy costs, more competition for other inputs and increasing environmental protection.

Key themes of Heavy Minerals 2011 are exploration, land use and social licence, drilling, mineral separation, materials handling and post mining land use. Efficiency and innovation have been features of our industry and for the past 20+ years the Heavy Minerals Conference has continued to be an important forum for technical interchange amongst professionals. We are confident this conference will continue that tradition. In addition to the formal proceedings, there are social functions and a number of post conference tours as detailed in the registration brochure.

The organising committee for Heavy Minerals 2011 seek your support and involvement in this Conference and invite you to the Conference and its associated activities.

Organising Committee

Conference Chair
Pat McManus, Roberin Pty Ltd

Organising Committee

Colin Bwye, Base Resources Ltd
Richard Flanagan, Richard Flanagan Mining Consultancy
Mike Freeman, WA Department of Mines & Petroleum
Steve Gilman, TZ Minerals International Pty Ltd
Rob Hattingh, Iluka Resources Limited
Chris Palmer, CPG Resources – Mineral Technologies
Mark Pownceby, CSIRO Process Science and Engineering
Gavan Showers, Sargon Engineering
Chris Ure, Amex Resources

Event Management: The AusIMM
Miriam Way, Director, Conferences & Events
Alison McKenzie, Manager, Conferences & Events
Tara Hicks, Coordinator, Conferences & Events
Olivia Tet Fong, Coordinator Publications

Enquiries
Tara Hicks, Coordinator, Conferences & Events
Telephone: +61 3 9658 6127 Facsimile: +61 3 9662 3662
Email: thicks@ausimm.com.au