Australian companies will also participate in a one-day technical seminar in Hanoi supported by Viet Nam Coal and Minerals Industries Group (Vinacomin) and sponsored by Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd on 12 May, and visit the Sin Quyen copper mine and Tang Loong copper smelter near Lao Cai on 13 May.

Through the mission’s various networking activities, participants will have the opportunity to engage with key customers and government stakeholders, including Vinacomin and other state-owned corporations with interests in the mining industry, Vietnamese private miners and foreign mining companies operating in Vietnam.

Australian Senior Trade Commissioner to Viet Nam, Mr Tony Burchill, highlighted the critical role of mining to the economies of both countries and the expertise of Australia’s mining industry. “Australia is a world leader in mining with export earnings from mineral resources growing by 11 per cent to a record AU$116 billion in 2008. In adapting to some of the world’s most remote and harsh operating environments, our industry has become highly innovative, productive and efficient and is now exporting mining solutions throughout the world”, Mr Burchill said.

Participants in the mission bring with them world-class mining technology and service expertise in areas such as survey, planning and feasibility, project management, infrastructure development and operation, production and processing, equipment maintenance and repair, and site rehabilitation and environmental management.

The Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam, Mr Allaster Cox, emphasised that initiatives, saying that it will help to strengthen the bond between Australia and Viet Nam. “Australia remains a world leader in mining and mining services and wants to be a strong partner for Viet Nam as the country develops its mining industry and engages more with foreign companies. The Australian Government therefore values highly the relationships that trade missions foster between our two countries, as well as the business opportunities they generate,” Ambassador Cox said.