Due to the significant rise of Covid-19 cases around Australia, Beacon Events – organiser of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Melbourne – have announced the eighth edition will be rescheduled. 

IMARC’s Managing Director, Anita Richards, said that “the health, safety and well-being of our attendees and employees remains our number one priority”, and that “rescheduling the event – originally planned for 31 January to 2 February – is the responsible action to take in the current circumstances”. 

The IMARC team is currently getting in touch with the hundreds of companies confirmed to sponsor and exhibit, and thousands of attendees that were confirmed to participate to advise of this and to discuss the dates for reschedule.  

In a statement the organiser said: “Beacon Events appreciates the continued patronage and support of the mining & resources sector and IMARC’s Founding Partners – the Victorian Government, Austmine, AusIMM and Mines and Money – and is grateful for the feedback received in the lead-up to making this difficult decision.”

IMARC expects to announce new dates within the coming weeks.

Prioritising health and safety 

Commenting on the decision to postpone the event, John Krbaleski – Head of Resources, Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions – said: "Australia’s largest annual mining and resources event, the Melbourne-based International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), will now take place later in 2022 with the same great opportunities to connect local businesses with the global resources sector.”

Meanwhile, Austmine CEO, Christine Gibbs Stewart, noted that: “Considering the health and safety of our members, delegates, and staff, we support postponing IMARC. 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.”

AusIMM CEO, Stephen Durkin, remarked: "In these uncertain times, we need to prioritise the health and safety of our community. I thank everybody for their ongoing support of IMARC and look forward to connecting with our global mining community at the next event."

Mines and Money Global Head of Mining, Mike Hill, said that his team would be working in close collaboration with IMARC “to still bring the largest ever contingent of mining companies to Melbourne” when the event is rescheduled. “In the meantime, we will be providing various opportunities for our mining companies to connect with investors virtually,” he added.