Rare Earths Sector Gathers to Decide Industry Direction At Mining IQ Rare Earths and Strategic Metals Conference

Sydney, June 16, 2011 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Local players in the mining industry will gather together to discuss Australia's future in the global rare earths market at Mining IQ's Rare Earths and Strategic Metals Conference.

To be held on the 21st to 22nd June, the event features recognised leaders in the rare earths sector. Speakers include top level representatives from Alkane Resources (ASX:ALK), CSIRO, ANSTO Minerals and the US-based Technology Metals Research.

With China slashing their rare earths export permits in late 2010, local mining companies are keen to capitalise on this previously unavailable market. The move has also meant demand for rare earths has surged, with commentators even speculating a possible bubble in the sector.

The need for the event is evident with increasing concern over the environmental impact of rare earths, as well as the skills shortage Australian mining companies currently face.

Damien Giurco, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, said the event is a compass for the industry and caters for key players to network and learn from each other.

"The event provides a forum for companies to debate and discuss the direction of the industry, and its future contribution to Australia, as well as learn how environmental regulations and technological development will influence the future of rare earths" said Dr. Giurco.

Gareth Hatch, Founding Principal of US-based Technology Metals Research, and a key speaker at the event, said that he sees lots of room for Australia to take advantage of market opportunities.

"In the near term, we can expect to see non-Chinese rare-earth companies come on-stream, providing much-needed alternative sources of supply to the market," said Mr. Hatch.

Damien Giurco and Gareth Hatch are speaking at Mining IQ's Rare Earths and Strategic Metals conference. For more information about this event, please visit www.RareEarthsAndStrategicMetals.com.au, call 02 9229 1000 or email enquire@iqpc.com.au.

Contact

Arthur Chan Online Communications Manager Email: Arthur.Chan@iqpc.com.au Phone: +61-2-9229-1092