Karratha secures international mining conference

Karratha’s economy will receive a boost in 2020 when delegates from around the world descend on the Red Earth Arts Precinct for an international development and mining conference.

The city was announced as the host of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Meeting of Mining Regions and Cities last week.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long and chief executive Chris Adams attended the third Meeting of Mining Regions and Cities in Sweden earlier this month.

They delivered presentations outlining the City’s global economic significance, preparations for future economic growth and positive outcomes of working co-operatively and collaboratively with the resources sector.

Mr Long said the council was thrilled to secure hosting rights for the international event, which was expected to attract about 300 delegates.

“We expect these high-profile visitors to stimulate our local economy, support local businesses and potentially generate interest in economic investment,” he said.

A State Government Spokeswoman said the OECD’s selection of Karratha to hold the next Meeting of Mining Cities and Regions demonstrates the important part that the Pilbara plays in the global resources industry.

“This conference will provide an opportunity for policy makers from mining and resources regions to learn from each other,” she said.

“Events and conferences also attract visitors to the region, where they stay in hotels and spend money in shops, cafes and restaurants, which is great for small business and helps grow the local economy.”

Mr Long believes the event is a chance to promote Karratha’s status as a City of the North to an international contingent of representatives from all levels of government and the private sector.

“Council recognises our region’s position at the forefront of innovation shaping the future of the mining industry, and looks forward to participating in discussions about mining and regional development with world leaders and policymakers,” he said.

More on the OECD Meeting of Mining Regions and Cities will be released in coming months.