Due to ongoing travel and gathering restrictions, and the rise of COVID-19 infections around Australia, Beacon Events, the organisers of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) have today announced their decision to reschedule the 2021 edition.

IMARC 2021 will move to the new dates of January 31 – February 2, 2022, with the hybrid event taking place in-person at the Melbourne Showgrounds, and online for those that cannot attend in-person.

IMARC Managing Director, Anita Richards, said that while it is disappointing that this important industry event has had to be postponed from 2021, this is the responsible action to take under the circumstances as the health and safety of IMARC’s participants is our number one priority.

“The rescheduling comes after much deliberation with our founding partners, and in consultation with our sponsors, exhibitors, supporters and various Victorian Government agencies who have been very supportive of the decision” she said.

“IMARC is a home-grown industry event that has become a major international resources conference. There is significant interest in IMARC 2021 and it’s clear that industry is keen to see it go ahead” stated Victorian Government’s Head of Resources, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, John Krbaleski.

Austmine CEO Christine Gibbs Stewart said “considering the health and safety of our members, delegates, and staff members, we support postponing IMARC 2021 until January 2022. We know how important this event is to our members who are exhibiting and attending, as well as the METS sector overall, and we encourage everyone to consider this as an opportunity to refocus your efforts and support the event in 2022”.

BHP, MMG, Newcrest, Mitsui, OceanaGold and Kirkland Lake Gold have all confirmed their continued support for IMARC in January 2022, with their executive leadership teams confirmed to speak within the conference program.

In addition to the Federal Minister for Resources, the Hon Keith Pitt, and major sponsors METS Ignited, Caterpillar, ABB and World Gold Council who have also confirmed their support and participation.

IMARC 2021’s new dates are aligned with the expected easing of restrictions from all states across Australia, allowing for strong domestic representation.

“Holding IMARC at the start of 2022 helps create a unique opportunity for the industry to kick off the year with new conversations, develop existing relationships and create business opportunities for the coming year. With better weather opens opportunities for outdoor events and networking, alongside some major events at that time of year here in Melbourne” stated Ms Richards.

There is an expectation that when IMARC returns in 2022, from October 17-19, there will be greater international travel freedoms, allowing for the conference to attract a large domestic and international audience in-person once again.

The co-located Mines and Money Online Connect @ IMARC virtual event, will go ahead as planned from October 19-21.

“We look forward to being able to provide two distinctly different opportunities for mining companies and investors to connect – virtually in October with our international attendees, and then in-person in January” Mines and Money’s Global Head of Mining, Mike Hill stated.

In the lead up to January 2022, attendees will be invited to participate in the brand-new Talk It Forward Dialogue, a three-part virtual interview series of events.

Discussing big issues such as indigenous and community partnerships, environmental and sustainable principles, and attracting the next generation of STEM leaders; the series will feature specialists in these fields, providing an outsider’s perspective that will help take the mining industry forward.

We look forward to bringing industry together to Melbourne from January 31 – February 2, 2022.

About IMARC: 

The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is where global mining leaders connect with technology, finance, and the future. Now in its 8th year, it is Australia’s largest mining event, bringing together over 8,000 decision makers, mining leaders, policy makers, investors, commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators, and educators from over 130 countries for three days of learning, deal-making and unparalleled networking. IMARC is developed in collaboration with its founding partners the Victorian State Government of Australia, Austmine, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and Mines and Money.