The global mining industry descended in their droves on the International Convention Centre at Sydney’s Darling Harbour this week for the annual International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo or “IMARC”.
The Mines & Money exhibition area of this massive mining trade display is much more than just an event sideshow and was again full of numerous ASX listed resource companies showcasing their projects, with White Noise Communications in the thick of it.
Previously held in Melbourne until some unruly protestors upset the apple cart, 2024 is the third year in Sydney for IMARC and while entry procedures were still tedious, security presence seemed a little less than overkill this year.
During the conference, the backdrop on home bourses was rather flat with the XJO ASX/200 index down just 56.8 points (0.69%) for the week to Thursday’s close and the XMJ ASX200/materials index barely troubling the scorers, down only 24.6 points (0.14%) over the same period. Regardless, a common theme among delegates was the sense that a more positive market outlook is emerging and appetite for capital market activity has improved in recent weeks.
Overall, some 95 mining companies were in attendance, up slightly on last year, and around 85 of those in the Mines & Money exhibition area with something for everyone. Projects ranged from early-stage exploration right through to production, offering a solid representation of the periodic table and a diverse array of global jurisdictions. With gold trading at record levels, appetite for the precious metal is of little surprise. However, copper, vanadium, uranium and even lithium were also well represented.
Aside from the mining and service companies, strong representations from various International and State Governments were hard to miss, as they walked the exhibition floor and held a number of side events. Canada, Finland, Germany, India and Mongolia all had large delegate groups; however the Saudis were a noticeable absentee this year.
On the domestic front, State Governments of NSW, QLD, Victoria and South Australia all had large booths promoting their commitment to sustainability and encouraging investment in their respective mining sectors with a clear focus on critical minerals. While WA didn’t have a booth, the Geological Survey of Western Australia was there, and the Hon. David Michael MLA Minister for Mines and Petroleum of the Government of Western Australia delivered the opening address in the main plenary on day two.
Back in the Mines & Money area, the daily lunchtime Mining Pitch Battle heats were hotly contested, as a selection of company directors attempted their best elevator pitch to a panel of judges for some added exposure and a chance at the final. It was a gritty display from all contestants with Chris Stevens from Coda Minerals winning Heat 1 and Glenn Poole from Firetail taking out Heat 2. However, the final was spiced with some controversy, as Troy Boisjoli from Atha Energy was a late wild card addition and managed to snatch the win.
There were a number of side events and plenty of evening “networking” opportunities that need not be covered in detail. However, it can be said that the late night bars of Sydney were very well attended this week and the handy IMARC meeting app was put to good use for last minute rescheduling of early morning conference meetings. It’s also worth noting that the city electric bike hire on offer was a popular choice of transport to and from the conference, and out and about at night.
In wrapping up, the 2024 iteration of Mines & Money @ IMARC was well attended despite challenging conditions for many this year. Both regulators and industry continue to evolve the sustainability thematic and focus on critical minerals. There is a general consensus of improving sentiment across a number of commodities and the din of the Mines & Money exhibition area each day was testament to the resilience of the sector. This wasn’t missed by the organisers who announced a return to Sydney in 2025.
Photo by IMARC Global
