Smithers to host competition

British Columbia’s annual mine rescue competition is slated for June 13-15 in Smithers, 170 km northeast of Prince Rupert.

The provincial mines ministry organizes the event. For more information, call (250) 952-0462 or visit ww.gov.bc.ca/em

Summit aims to protect planet

The World Summit on Sustainable Development, slated for Aug. 26-Sept. 4 in Johannesburg, South Africa, will be attended by world leaders, citizen groups and businesses. It’s a follow-up to the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

A report by the United Nations warns that in 30 years the world will witness water shortages and ecological degradation. It adds that unless action is taken, more than 70% of the earth’s land surface could be affected by the impact of roads, mining, buildings and other infrastructure.

For more information, visit www.johannesburgsummit.org

N. Zealand lures geophysicists

The 2002 Western Pacific Geophysics Meeting is slated for July 9-12 in Wellington, New Zealand. The occasion marks the first time the country will host the event.

The meeting is open to all geophysicists, especially those interested in the Western Pacific region. It’s being organized by the 39,000-member, Washington-D.C.-based American Geophysical Union.

Topics for discussion include rheology and deformation along major plate boundaries, and “space weather” and its effects on Earth.

In North America, call 1-800-966-2481. Outside North America, call 1-202-462-6900. E-mail: meetinginfo@agu.org

Forum to promote mining

Naturallia, an international forum designed to promote the mining and forestry supply industries, is scheduled for Oct. 29-Nov. 3 in Rouyn-Noranda, Que.

Representatives from about 200 small- and medium-sized businesses from 10 countries will meet to discuss sales representation, distribution, alliances for technology development, and other forms of co-operation.

Promotional efforts will target countries such as Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Chile, and England.

The Canadian Association of Mining Equipment & Services for Export is participating is encouraging its member firms to participate.

For more information, call Jon Baird or Spencer Ramshaw at 1-905-513-0046.

Electra Mining Conference

In 2000, the Electra Mining Conference attracted more than 30,000 visitors, and this year’s event, slated for Sept. 30-Oct. 4 in Johannesburg, is likely to draw even more.

The global tradeshow provides retailers with access to local and international mining and electromechanical sectors. The mining sector in South Africa accounts for about 9% of the country’s economy.

The Canadian Association of Mining Export and Services for Export will work with Natural Resources Canada to boost the Canadian presence at the event.

The Canadian High Commission is helping organize activities at the trade show, including a visit to a deep mine and a seminar on how to penetrate the African market.

For more information, contact Specialised Exhibitions at +27 011 835-1565. E-mail: veda@specialised.com