Diggers & Dealers weeks away

THERE is just weeks until more than 2000 mining professionals touch down in Kalgoorlie for the 27th annual Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum.

It’s a sight to see; watching the streets of Kalgoorlie come to life by day in and around the Goldfields Arts Centre, and, by night on Hannan street where the party kicks on at the Palace Hotel and surrounding bars.

This year’s conference, running from 6-8 August, has a number of key differences.

The 2018 event is now under new ownership after Kate Stokes, wife of the forum’s late founder Geoff Stokes, sold the business to Sharon Giorgetta (the daughter of the conference current chairman Nick Giorgetta) and Myles Ertzen in late 2017.

This year’s keynote speech will be presented by the former Prime Minister of Portugal José Manuel Barroso.

Mr Barroso has also held roles as President of the European Commission, and more recently his current role as chairman of Goldman Sachs International.

Diggers and Dealers chairman Mr Giorgetta said José Manuel Barroso will be a highlight of the 2018 program.

“The restructure of the European Union because of Brexit is one of the more challenging economic issues affecting the international community,” Mr Giorgetta said.

“2018 will be a significant year for the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

“Mr Barroso is uniquely qualified to deliver an educated overview of the economic implications that will come from this momentous change, both for Europe and the global community.”

This year again will accommodate 48 speaking slots, with the additions of a second smaller marquee on site to allow 11 emerging companies to showcase their credentials.

“Additional interest will be catered for inside the marquee with Westrac installing a 4-hole mini golf course and the WA School of Mines demonstrating virtual reality technology used in the mining industry,” Mr Giorgetta said.

This year, ASX-listed Ausdrill and NRW Holdings will also be the first mining service providers to present at the event in its history.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Simone de Been said Diggers and Dealers had always been a successful event.

“It provides an opportunity for businesses to gain first-hand information on the future of the economy,” Ms de Been said.

“It also provides exceptional networking opportunities.”