Mineral exploration has helped shape the character of Australia since gold was first discovered in Bathurst NSW in 1851 by Edward Hargreaves. Since then there have been several periods of great exploration and investment in Australia’s mineral industry, including the great Australian gold rush following the discovery of the precious metal in Kalgoorlie in 1893 by Paddy Hannan, whose statue in Hannan Street is featured to the right.

Once again Australia is on the verge of another great wave of exploration and investment in its minerals industry. Metal prices have risen, in the case of gold and nickel, dramatically; and the resource bulls are once again active in the stock market. It is a scenario that was predicted at the last RIU Explorers Conference, which was judged such a success by all who attended.

Now, Australia’s mineral explorers and small producers once again are coming together in Fremantle to present their companies and their projects to investors, brokers and potential joint venture companies. The RIU Explorers Conference 2004 has already attracted a strong line-up of presenters, representing the most enterprising and active companies in the junior resources sector. This is an ideal opportunity to network with key figures in the industry and find out the latest about the junior resources sector of the market at a time when opportunities are everywhere.