Agenda

Development of critical metals such as Lithium, Cobalt and Copper in Europe is drawing the attention of global investors. As financing levels for mining projects continue to increase, we look at the range of financing source and options available to mining sector companies of different sizes, and hear from specific players currently interested in funding projects in Europe. Following the Forum’s overall focus on sustainability, we will also hear from speakers on the cashflow challenges facing growing companies, and learn about, in absence of institutional financing, how companies are increasingly turning to their own balance sheets to fund their development. We will also examine the latest practices in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment to better determine the future financial performance of mining companies (return and risk). The session will also consider the implications of differing reporting standards for companies approaching listing and regulation.

In this session, we will be examining the development of responsible mining technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of mining and post-mining activities. Critical to the planning for mining operations is ensuring appropriate management of the post-operations mine site, and land reuse provisions. Increasing regulatory focus on environmental issues however is affecting not only mining operations, but also demand for particular minerals and metals. There is an onus on the mining and metals industry working in conjunction with governments and manufacturers to find solutions to address these challenges.

Rapid and intelligent adoption of cost-effective technological innovations is one of the key means that exploration companies have of making breakthrough discoveries in an at times crowded exploration space. Companies are also looking to ensure that the technologies adopted allow for a decrease in the environmental footprint of their resource exploration and drilling programmes. Among many other applications, the latest technologies are allowing better access to mine sites, decreasing the invasiveness of subsoil data collection, providing more advanced geochemical analysis, and automating the process of estimating resource extraction costs and values.

Mining operations management remains the key day-to-day component of any mining operation, and lies at the centre of the competitiveness of any mining enterprise. Operations managers today must possess a broad range of skills and a deep understanding of issues ranging from regulation and compliance to the equipment lifecycles. On the operations side, we will be focusing on new generations of mine planning practices and advanced technologies aiding modern mine managers

The Gala dinner will be organised on 26 June at the“Vodenitzata” (The Watermill) restaurant.

“Vodenitzata”is located a short way of Sofia’s downtown, nesting in Vitosha mountain and is considered as one of the best restaurants in the country popular with international tourists and local people.

During your stay in the restaurant-garden ”Vodenitzata” you will enjoy the performance of authentic Bulgarian folklore.

Address: “Vodenitzata” (The Watermill) restaurant. kv. Dragalevtsi, park Vitosha, Sofia, Bulgaria

Ellatzite-Med is one of the largest copper mining companies in Bulgaria, dealing mainly with extraction and processing of copper porphyry gold-bearing ores from Ellatzite deposit. The extracted ore is transported from Ellatzite open-pit mine located near the town of Etropole to the Flotation Complex in Mirkovo village on a 6.5 km underground rubber-belt conveyor line which was driven beneath Stara Planina Mountain.

It is a structural-determinant enterprise in Bulgarian economy and one of the largest investors and taxpayers. The company employs about 1,770 staff, most of whom are local residents.

Over the years, various programmes have been elaborated for ensuring the long-term operation of the company and for improving the financial and technical parameters of copper ore extraction and processing. Today Ellatzite mine ranks among the top copper-producing companies with the largest production capacities in Europe. The implementation of new projects and substantial investments in capital construction and technological equipment guarantee sustainable operation of the mine complex in strict compliance with the relevant health, safety and environment regulations.

Schedule (timings are approximate and subject to confirmation)

Group of maximum 20 participants

08.30-10.00        Departure from Sofia Hotel Balkan. Transfer to Ellatzite-Med

10.00-10-15        Arrival to Ellatzite-Med. Health and Safety instructions.

10.15-13.00        Mine visit

13.00-14.30        Lunch and meeting with representatives of the management of Ellatzite-Med

14.30-16.00        Departure from Ellatzite-Med. Transfer to Sofia Hotel Balkan.

Assarel-Medet JSC Mining and Processing Complex is the first, biggest and leading Bulgarian company for open pit mining and processing of copper and other types of ores. It is located at 11 km northwest from the town of Panagyurishte and at 90 km east from the capital Sofia.

Schedule (timings are approximate and subject to confirmation)       

Group of maximum 20 participants