special

'Gold rush' to Tianjin's congress

By Hao Nan (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-11-16 07:57

A delegate uses a DV camera to record the proceedings at last year's event. Photos provided to China Daily

Sponsored by the local government and the Ministry of Land and Resources, the three-day China Mining Congress and Expo begins today in the municipality of Tianjin.

Focusing on investment policies and business environment in the industry, the event is expected to attract a number of high-ranking government delegates and senior representatives in mining and finance.

The congress includes representatives from the World Bank, the Australian Embassy, the Canada Embassy, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the China Development Bank.

Organizers confirmed in late October that 2,230 delegates from 42 countries and regions will participate.

They include the senior officials from countries with abundant resources such as Angola, Sudan, Zambia and India.

Sessions on gold, copper, iron and other minerals will be held during the gathering as speeches to be delivered by senior government representatives, industry leaders and economists.

Large forums include a session for ministers on policies, investor opportunities and industry trends.

Mining development forums will discuss global challenges and company strategies.

Organizers said this year's expo is the largest ever, covering more than 10,000 square meters with 573 standard booths.

In addition to booths, organizers also set up mining equipment zones both inside and outdoors along with exhibition sectors for mining companies and exclusive areas for large mining countries such as Canada and Australia.

The event also includes an awards ceremony for companies that made outstanding contributions in the past year.

Awards include prizes for best exploration, best environmental protection and best development.