In order to continue opening new mines, people on all sides of the debate including companies, governments, NGOs and the public must recalibrate and open their minds to the views of others. Truth and trust must be advanced to generate a reliable level of transparency rather than translucency. Our minds must be clear and not opaque. We must bring the debate over mining into the open. Everyone must understand that the products of mining are indispensable to our way of life and our future.
Opening minds to an inevitable train wreck, as the increased demand for and growing scarcity of minerals collides with NIMBYism and permitting delays/ difficulties in opening mines, is the focus of this year’s Northwest Mining Association Annual Meeting, Short Courses and Exposition.
November 29 -December 4, 2009, John Ascuaga’s Nugget Resort in Sparks/Reno, Nevada, will once again be home to the second largest annual mining convention and the largest gathering of the exploration and junior mining sectors in the U. S.
Our week begins on Sunday, November 29, with a 4-day Mining Geology and Grade Control Course. This course presents the latest in grade control methods backed by clear demonstrations of essential concepts for the modern mining geologist and grade control professional. On Monday we begin our 2- day short courses — Avoiding Permitting Pitfalls & Delays on Federal Lands with Case Studies covers permitting requirements and Plans of Operations under the Forest Service 36 CFR 228A regulations and the BLM 42 CFR 3809 regulations. The Leapfrog — 3D Geological Modeling Software workshop is an opportunity for geologists to learn how to build models from drillhole data using Leapfrog, and learn about its benefits first-hand. On Tuesday, we add our 1-day course — Developing a Strategic Energy Plan. This course will provide current, insightful, and highly useful review of energy strategies to enhance mining profitability.
Wednesday is the start of 26 technical sessions and an exhibit hall featuring 205 exhibitors and a core shack area that currently has 12 displays. An NWMA trademark is its superior technical session program focusing on Geology, Mineral Deposits & Exploration. This year’s 8 sessions won’t let you down. We have State and Province Reports; Alaska Updates; Discovering China and Mongolia; our traditional Large Left Lateral Leaps and USGS reports on Identifying Concealed Mineral Deposits. New to the geology group this year are the Nevada Prospector Forums and a Geothermal Energy Update session.
The Business & Finance area has 4 sessions this year. Operations will feature Open Pit and Underground Mining, Health & Safety Uranium and Metallurgy. The Environmental arena has its own Large Left Lateral Leaps session; Strategies for Optimizing Mine Waste Management; Environmental Law, Alternative Uses for Closed Mine Sites and Mine Water Treatment Technology. Legislative and Public Affairs will deal with Mercury Control Measures, Corporate Social Responsibility, the Role of Metals and Mining in a Clean Energy Economy, Overcoming NIMBYism and Mining Law Reform.
Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey has been invited to be the keynote speaker at the Welcoming Luncheon. On Thursday, Jim Sims, President and CEO of the Western Business Roundtable will speak on ‘Mining in a Climate Controlled Regulatory World.’
The NWMA Annual Meeting has always provided a good mix of business and pleasure. In keeping with that history, we have the following networking opportunities: The Annual Awards and Recognition Reception; the Welcoming Reception; a Happy Hour Reception; and Exhibit Hall Walk-Around Lunches and numerous hospitality suites. We’ll also have breakfast burritos, morning and afternoon breaks in the exhibit hall, prize drawings, our traditional Moose Milk during Friday’s coffee break, and a hosted farewell sandwich lunch in the exhibit hall.
Our committee has gone all out to provide you with a week of events you can’t afford to miss. Clear your calendar, make your reservations, and register today for Opening Minds…mapping a path to mine.
We’ll meet you in Reno!
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Northwest Mining Association 10 N. Post St. Ste. 220 Spokane, WA 99201-0705 USA
Phone: (509) 624-1158 Fax: (509) 623-1241 Web: www.nwma.org Email: nwma_info@nwma.org
Contact for registration information Mike Heywood (509) 624-1158 x 10 mheywood@nwma.org
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