The fourth MINEX Europe Mining & Exploration Forum will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria on June 25-27, 2019 under central theme ‘The Future of Sustainable Mining in the Balkans and Beyond’.
The Forum is organised with the support from SRK Consulting, ERM, Geotechmin, Ellatzite-med, The Department for International Trade (DIT), Dundee Precious Metals and Bulgaria Alpha (Mundoro Capital).
To successfully develop mining projects in the Western Tethys region, companies need to focus on sustainability, responsibility and innovation.
Economic, political and social environment is shifting across the region. Many countries are embracing opportunities for sustaining economic growth while reducing environmental footprint. As mining is historically associated with environmental risks, low tech and labour-intensive workplaces, its role in further economic development agendas is often questioned.
Environmental impacts of mining, labour conditions and relations continue to be a gating issue for miners. Disputes and accidents instantly get media attention and governments are under increased pressure to adopt progressive policies.
In the foreseeable future metals and raw materials will be essential for securing long term economic growth and advancement of material intensive industries such as car manufacturing, electronics, constructions, energy. Across the region, jurisdictions continue to find ways to work with communities while securing supply of valuable commodities.
There is an urgent need for having an open discussion between miners, investors, politicians, academics and NGOs to address the contributions of the mining industry to economy, environment and society to the Western Tethys countries.
To address these issues and discuss emerging investment and cross-border cooperation opportunities MINEX Europe Forum will bring together delegates from the countries of the Balkans region as well as wider Europe and overseas, working in mineral exploration and in mining industry, industrial associations, universities, service and equipment suppliers.
It will also offer opportunities for the interaction with policymakers, key decision-makers and global investors, financiers and experts.
With this year’s special focus on the future of sustainable mining, exploration, legislation, financing and technical developments, the Forum will include discussions on the social consequences and benefits of mining, and on environmental questions. The sustainable development, as a modern management practice, goes beyond philanthropy and corporate responsibility. It is rather a way for companies to increase value in a long term as they identify, measure and reduce the economic, social and environmental risks and design successful solutions to local and global challenges.
