The Chinese calendar defines 2009 as the year of the ox. Maybe correctly so, as the current economic down turn world wide has had a major impact on the virility experienced by the mining industry in the last number of years. The mining ‘super cycle’ has created an enormous demand for commodities resulting in the major drives in exploration, new plant commissioning, expansion of current plants. In addition industry has redeveloped brownfields operations and revisited known sub-marginal deposits. High non-gold metal prices provided increased feasibility as co-products and by-products.

In the light of the recent economic uncertainties and slow down in demand for commodities, it is even more prudent for such an event to be organized providing a platform for all role players to interact. The challenges facing the gold industry requires close investigation of the key issues requiring the participation of all role players focussing on geology, metallurgy and mining. The key issues will be covered under the topics of environmental efficiency, resources and energy efficiency, mining efficiency, technical efficiency, human and financial resources. For a more comprehensive break down have a look on the programs pages.

In addition to the conference, a number of workshops and site visits will be organised. The Gold Processing workshop will focus on the practical applicability of new and emerging technologies and is convened my Dr Guy Deschenes. In addition, the Environmental Sustainability workshop convened by Dr Jenny Broadhurst aims to “assist practitioners in the gold industry to identify, and overcome current barriers to the practical implementation of environmental strategies, concepts and tools within the broader sustainable business agenda”. For more information have a look at the Workshop page.

Misty Hills is situated about 25 kilometers outside of Johannesburg. A number of gold operations are in close proximity to the venue. In addition to the conference Centre, the venue has a four star hotel. A number of other venues in the vicinity also provide accommodation. See accommodation page for more information.

On behalf of the organizing committee, I am conveying this invitation to join us from 26 – 30 October 2009 for World Gold 2009. Your participation will be highly regarded.

Yours Sincerely,

Paul van der Plas
Conference Chairman