090312 Press Release Template_european (final)

Press Release Brussels (March)

European Minerals Day Thousands of citizens to learn how crucial minerals are for Europe Brussels, 12 March 2009 – Preparations are being made across Europe for the biennial European Minerals Day. Organised by several associations* in the minerals and related sectors, activities will take place from 15-17 May 2009 at quarry and mine sites across Europe with the ultimate aim of highlighting the absolute importance of minerals industries to the public at large. With Europe experiencing supply challenges for non-energy raw materials, the time has never been better to raise awareness of their importance in all our lives. Quarry open days, guided plant and geological tours as well as presentations on nature protection projects are just some of the scheduled events. This year, a special focus will be given to the protection of biodiversity whereby visitors can discover the unique biodiversity found in rehabilitated quarry and mine sites, which provide habitats for rare plant and animal species. The launch event will be held on 14 May 2009 in the Czech Republic, coinciding with the country's six month Presidency of the European Union. The European Commission fully supports European Minerals Day with Vice President Günter Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry saying: “The 2009 European Minerals Day is an excellent way to inform, educate and enthuse European citizens about the importance of the minerals sector in providing raw materials that are essential for so many everyday products. The sector is vital for Europe's competitiveness and its success is built on sound principles of sustainability and innovation.” Minerals play an essential role in our lives with 70% of EU manufacturing production depending on mined substances. Mr Salmona, IMA-Europe President adds: “The significance of raw materials to every industry and every aspect of life cannot be overstated. The construction, chemicals, automotive, aerospace and machinery sectors, which provide a total added value of € 1324 billion and 30 million jobs all depend on access to raw materials. European Minerals Day 2009 will highlight their importance to students, government officials and the public at large across Europe.” * European Minerals Day is coordinated at European level by IMA-Europe, the European Industrial Minerals Association, UEPG, the European Aggregates Association, CEMBUREAU, the European Cement Association, and EuroGeoSurveys, the European Association of Geological Surveys in Europe and at Member State level by many trade associations. The programme of events and list of participating companies can be viewed at www.mineralsday.eu. Note to editors: An exclusive media breakfast will be held in Brussels on 13 May. Representatives from the European Commission, various NGOs, and the European Minerals Day-partners (IMA Europe, UEPG, CEMBUREAU and EuroGeoSurveys), will discuss European Minerals Day, how essential, smart and beneficial minerals are to our everyday lives and also address this year’s special focus to biodiversity protection, the Commission's Raw Materials Initiative and what the future holds for this crucial industry. For more details and to register your attendance, please contact: Tom O'Connell, OCPR, +32 475 69 15

60, [email protected]