MEDIA RELEASE

21 December 2007
Fresh Faces for 2008 Mining Expo

Even though the rest of the world is winding down to begin the countdown to Christmas and New Years, the organisers of the 2008 Mount Isa Mining Expo will continue to co-ordinate the event behind the scenes throughout the festive season.

The last few months have been a very transitional yet exciting period for the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce, since the appointment of a new President and Executive Committee at the Annual General Meeting in September this year.

Mount Isa Mining Supplies Manager and former Vice President Mr Brett Peterson was elected the new President of the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce, replacing Mr David Glasson after five successful years at the head.

Mr Peterson is a born and bred Mount Isa local and has over 20 years experience in the mining industry with extensive links throughout the North West. He has also previously been involved in the management and organisation of the annual Mining Expo.

Ms Cassandra Bird also resigned as Manager at the September annual general meeting and was recently replaced in December by Patricia O'Callaghan. Miss O'Callaghan is a local woman with a strong background in events management, marketing and public relations.

President Brett Peterson said that whilst the previous management had developed a successful event, the new Executive would be responsible for further improving the Xstrata Mount Isa Mining Expo and bringing some fresh ideas to the table.

"The Mount Isa Mining Expo is an extremely successful event and the new Executive Committee is not interested in re-inventing the wheel or changing elements of the Expo that have been serving the needs of exhibitors in previous years.

"What we are interested in doing is exploring different ways to improve the operational side of the Mining Expo as well as introduce some new ideas that will put exhibitors further in contact with key personnel in the mining industry," Mr Peterson said.

Buchanan Park is the new official location for the 2008 Expo and will accommodate for 80 inside booths as well as a number of outdoor displays.

The indoor floor plan will be available online on www.michamber.com.au as of December 30 for potential exhibitors to review with the additional outdoor floor plan being made available online in early January.

Exhibitors will be able to register as of Monday 7 January 2008 by contacting the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce on 07 4743 9881.

Media Contact:
Patricia O'Callaghan
04 88 439 881