By Ian Neubauer

More than 1000 delegates are expected to attend the Africa Downunder Conference (ADC) in Perth on September 4 and 5, making it one of the biggest Africa resources conference ever held outside the continent. 

Now in its sixth year, the ADC is a two-day long networking conference and trade show for the African mining sector that will see speakers, social gatherings and over 100 exhibitors gather at the Sheraton Perth Hotel.

Paydirt media executive chairman, Bill Repard, said the conference had proved immensely popular in past years because of the large number of Australian mining companies active in Africa.

“There are a lot of Australian mining companies working in Africa and they are held in high regards there,” he said.

“There’s something like 130 or 140 Australian mining companies with African mining projects, representing around $15 billion worth of business.”

Repard said confirmation had been received from eight African ministers attending the event, in addition to Australian Government representatives, bankers, financiers and mining experts from the world over. “It’s quite a good show in terms of business,” he said.

Delegates will be attending some of 15 axillary events held in Perth independently from the conference, as well as a welcome event, cocktail party and closing drinks ceremony to be held at the Sheraton Perth Hotel.

The hotel is offering delegates the special room rate of $255 per room per night for single, twin or double occupancy suites. It is also offering seven newly built executive boardrooms with audio-visual systems, Wi-Fi access, F&B amenities and a concierge service. Rooms may be booked by the half day, full day or for the full two days of the conference.