Strong Chinese interest in Tasmanian mining seminar Thu 13 September 2012 Lara Giddings Premier Download hi-res version Download hi-res version More than 100 Chinese mining executives and investors have been told ofTasmania's significant mineral potential at a mining seminar in Beijing. The Premier, Lara Giddings, was joined by Tasmanian mining interests includingGrange Resources, King Island Scheelite, Proto Resources and Mineral Resources Tasmania to pitch Tasmania's investment potential. Ms Giddings said the Tasmania Government is committed to pursuing environmentally sustainable mining and mineral processing opportunities. "The Tasmanian Government strongly supports mining and sustainable industrial development but we need more capital, particularly linked with export market opportunities. "I was encouraged by the keen interest shown in the Tasmanian mining industry by those who attended the seminar. "The seminar has provided us with an opportunity to help link potential investors with existing and new companies operating in Tasmania. "In light of the closure of the King Island abattoir this week I was particularly pleased King Island Scheelite had an opportunity to speak directly with potential investors about their project which would create significant job opportunities on the island." Ms Giddings said mining and mineral processing contributed more than 50 per cent to the State's gross export income. "Investment in this sector over the last year has consistently exceeded pre global financial crisis levels and had continued to contribute strongly to Tasmania's economy. "Tasmania exports 31 per cent of its nonferrous metals output to China, as well as 48 per cent of its metallic ores and metal scrap, and a significant proportion of ourprocessed metals such as aluminium and zinc. "A number of Chinese companies have already recognised Tasmania's potential by making substantial investments in the energy, mining and agricultural sectors." Current investments by Chinese companies in mining include: - Investment by Shagang Group in the Grange Resources Savage River iron ore mining and pelletising project that is one of Tasmania's key projects. - MinMetals owns the zinc and lead mine at Rosebery, which has been operating for about 100 years. It also owns the Avebury nickel mine, which is currently on the market. - Yunnan Tin Group's involvement in the Bluestone Mines Tasmania joint venture which operates the Renison Bell Tin Mine. This is one of the largest underground tin mines in the world and has the potential for further expansion through the Rentails project. - A number of Chinese companies are involved in mineral exploration in Tasmania including MinMetals, China Corporation of Coal Geology Engineering; Australian Lianghuai Resources; Australian Hualong Pty Ltd; and Yunnan Tin. Ms Giddings told the seminar that mining could coexist with Tasmania's environmental values, just as it had done for generations. "Because large areas of Tasmania are protected in national parks there has been a perception that it is difficult for projects to be approved in Tasmania. Let me say clearly that these perceptions are incorrect. "The Tasmanian Government is committed to providing a secure state where individuals and businesses can rely on legal processes to deliver fair and accountable decisions. "Land use planning approvals are assessed faster in Tasmania than in most other Australian states and our planning scheme compliance costs are very competitive with those of other Australian states." Ms Giddings said the Asian trade delegation's mining focus would continue today with meetings with China MinMetals Corporation, the parent company of Rosebery operator MMG.
