More than 370 experts and decision makers met at this year's MiningForum held recently to learn about the latest trends in the raw materials industry, exchange views and expand their network for future cooperation. With stronger than ever international participation, the event welcomed visitors from 18 countries, including Canada, Chile, Finland, Australia and Mongolia.

The forum, which is held biennially, has been running for 26 years. Since it began in 1991, organisers of the event, DMT, have aimed to provide an informative programme with a strong thematic focus. Today the topics of the presentations cover the entire value chain in the mining industry, from resource exploration to extraction and beyond to mine closure and management of post-mining issues. The accompanying trade exhibition offered companies a platform to present their products and services in a premium environment.

?We see the MiningForum in Germany as the central contact point for exchanging information and networking in our industry,? said Lea Heidemann, Project Manager at the Competence Centre for Mining & Mineral Resources of the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

?Highlights this year were the presentation sessions on research and development,?

explained Prof Eiko R?kers, CEO, DMT.

At the traditional miners? social evening, Professor G?nther Apel was honoured with the first personalised ?MiningForum Award? for his many years of commitment to the event. Through his remarkable efforts in recent years, Prof. Apel has made a valuable contribution to the forum and its reputation in the mining market. This accolade also
earned him honorary life membership to the MiningForum.