The 2nd Indonesian Mining Procurement Forum was held in Darwin from 1 – 3 April 2008. The Forum attracted more than 140 participants from across Australia and Indonesia, involved in all aspects of the mining industry.
The Chief Minister, Hon. Paul Henderson, MLA, officially opened the Forum and welcomed representatives from six major mining projects in Indonesia, including: PT Kaltim Prima Coal located in East Kalimantan; PT Newmont, in Sumbawa; PT INCO, in Sulawesi; PT Weda Bay Nickel, in Halmahera; PT Agincourt Resources / Lane Xang Minerals Limited, in Sumatra / Laos; and PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals. These companies, whom are among the World's leading producers of coal, copper, nickel and gold, delivered presentations on their mining and processing activities, detailing their future materials and services re-supply demands and procurement procedures. The Forum also provided an opportunity for the Indonesian mining companies and contractors to learn of Darwin’s growth in infrastructure and re-supply capacity to deliver sustainable materials and services for future operational demands.
In his opening speech, the Chief Minister declared that:
Existing supply chain processes can be easily rolled out to support mining projects with established shipping operators; Perkins Shipping, MOCEAN and Swire Shipping are servicing the eastern Indonesian region. Announced at the Forum, Perkins Shipping will operate a direct project cargo call to the Port of Balikpapan, sailing from Darwin during the month of April 2008.
Darwin has the geographic advantage of the closest proximity of any Australian capital city to all Indonesian mining operations, thus offering significant and continuous savings in shipping time and cost of inventory.
During the course of the Forum, delegates heard from the NT Industry Capability Network and the Australia Indonesia Business Council about how they can assist their members to work directly with the procurement teams from the mines represented.
Delegates also heard of the Indonesian Customs Pre-Inspection Facility located in Darwin – a joint initiative of the Northern Territory and Indonesian Governments’ – which has Indonesian Customs Officers providing pre-inspection services for cargo destined to Eastern Indonesia.
A testimonial presented by local company, Bridge Toyota, outlined the process they are using to export vehicles and automotive components to PT Transcon in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.
In addition, an industry tour of East Arm port, rail terminal and business park facilities provided an opportunity to showcase Darwin and its rapidly expanding infrastructure and capability to international and interstate guests.
The Forum program included sponsored activities including an official dinner at Hanuman Restaurant, a Sunset Harbour Cruise and a 9 hole round of golf. These activities were well attended and provided delegates with many networking opportunities across the three days.
Additionally the formal business matching sessions provided an opportunity for local and interstate suppliers to meet face to face with the Indonesian mining companies represented at this Forum.
Major sponsors of the event were Airnorth, Bridge Toyota, GHD Consulting, Perkins Shipping, PDL/TOLL and Swire Shipping.
In developing opportunities for business, The Northern Territory Government led a Trade Mission to the 4th Balikpapan Mining Expo in Indonesia from 19-21 June 2008 – to read a summary of outcomes from this Trade Delegation please follow the link here.