An Austrade-organised trade event in Jakarta next month will give Australian mining supply and servicing companies an insider"s view on market opportunities in Indonesia and a chance to showcase their capabilities directly to an industry audience.

Ozmine 2008 Exhibition and Conference is from February 19 to 23. It features a series of mine visits and includes a one-day conference, which will examine the Indonesian regulatory environment to determine the realities, risks and prospects.

Austrade's Jakarta-based Senior Trade Commissioner Rod Morehouse says Australian mining supply and servicing companies serious about expanding into South East Asia should attend.

'We organised Ozmine specifically to look at the emerging opportunities and issues that are important to mining support companies wanting to tap into the Indonesian market, to give them first-hand insight and to help them make contact with the local industry, he says. 'Judging by last year's experiences, the most senior of Indonesia's miners are expected to attend the conference and flow on to the trade exhibition.'

Mr Morehouse says Indonesia is on the verge of a mining boom and Australian companies are well placed to support the dynamic growth.

'A new mining law is looming in Indonesia. Once its details are fully debated and settled, and when it's enacted and a structure established, the authorities are confident there will be a strong increase in investment and activity

'In the meantime, the high level of global commodity prices has led to record production outputs from Indonesian mines, increasing business prospects for Australian mining technology and services (MTS) companies.'

Although the mining industry accounts for 20 per cent of Indonesia's exports, Mr Morehouse says a large proportion of land still remains unexplored.

'Indonesia is richly endowed with mineral reserves. Globally, it ranks second in tin, third in copper and fourth in nickel production. Coal production has grown rapidly in the last decade with the country now ranked second to Australia in exports.

Mr Morehouse says, 'Profitability across the Indonesian industry is high and compares favourably with other countries. Strong mineral prices, however, have masked increasing operating costs, so mine operators are on the lookout for the latest cost-effective and efficient solutions for the running of their operations'.

Ozmine 2008 will focus on the most pertinent issues facing the Indonesian mining industry ' the new mining law, forestry, environment, regionalization and future prospects.

Convening panels will examine each of the papers presented and make recommendations for improvement, which will be provided to the industry in Australia, and to Ministers, key regulators and influencers in Indonesia.

Following Ozmine, Austrade is organising a mining mission to the Philippines from February 25-29 comprising briefings, networking sessions and open cut mine site visits.

For more details on Ozmine 2008 and/or the Philippines Mining Mission, or to register contact 13 28 78 or email craig.senger@austrade.gov.au

www.austrade.gov.au/EventViewBookingDetails