DMP’s Dr Marnie Leybourne recently returned from Iran where she presented at the 2nd Iran Mines and Mining Industries (IMIS) conference.
| Date: | Thursday, 16 February 2017 |
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A senior Western Australian Government official has recently returned from a trip to the Middle East where she delivered one of the key note speeches at the 2nd Iran Mines and Mining Industries (IMIS) conference.
Department of Mines and Petroleum’s (DMP) Director of Operations, Environment, Dr Marnie Leybourne said the conference was designed to help the Iranian Government showcase Iran’s capabilities in the mining sector and to improve its global position.
“With a large range of minerals and previous sanctions now lifted, Iran is keen to expand its mining operations. It has huge potential, a young and well-educated population, and there are plenty of opportunities,” Dr Leybourne explained.
“Further development of the sector however, where investment in exploration is key, will not come without its challenges and I mentioned in my presentation that security of tenure, and quality and availability of information are a few areas that could relatively easily be improved.”
Dr Leybourne’s presentation also covered the similarities and opportunities between Western Australia and Iran, the possibilities of future partnerships given the country’s goal of increasing steel production and a requirement to secure future iron ore sources, and a brief overview of WA’s environmental approval processes and the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF).
“We were encouraged by the opportunity to share Western Australia’s expertise in innovation and responsible resource management that supports a vibrant mining sector here in WA.”
During her visit, Dr Leybourne also travelled to the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman to meet government and industry representatives to provide a more in-depth understanding of Western Australia’s mining sector.
