Partnerships the key at
CAMESE Forum
The Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE) held its annual Canadian Mining Procurement Forum in Markham, Ontario on November 17th, where suppliers met to network with key industry contacts and to discuss concepts and best practices that can assist them in their marketing efforts in Canada and around the world. Included in the one-day conference was an afternoon session where De Beers Canada joined three other major mining companies (Vale, Xstrata and Barrick) to talk about corporate strategies, new and on-going projects, operations, procurement policies, specific purchasing requirements and other topics of interest to mining suppliers.
De Beers Canada Chief Financial Officer, Steve Thomas, outlined operations at Snap Lake and Victor mines, the potential for growth through the Gahcho Kué Project and the resource extension program at Victor, the challenges of mining in remote locations, and the realities of the new economy since the global economic slowdown that began at the end of 2008. The main focus of the presentation was the significance of the eight Impact Benefit Agreements signed with Aboriginal communities in the areas of the Snap Lake and Victor mines and how De Beers Canada is committed to sustainable development in the communities in which we operate. Suppliers in attendance were encouraged to learn more about these communities and how to build partnerships that can provide a win-win scenario for all involved.
