Australian mining companies visit NV - Elko Daily Free Press

ELKO — About 15 representatives from Australia-based mining services companies visited Elko on a trade mission to the West in mid-October. The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Queensland government and Austmine — an industry association serving Australia’s mining equipment, technology and services sector — teamed up to introduce the group to possible business opportunities in Nevada.

“It’s basically building relationships,” said Robert Trzebski, chief operating officer of Austmine, a nonprofit membership organization. “We would like the relationship between Nevada and Australian suppliers to be continuous … . How can we possible work together in the future?”

For Nevada mining companies and communities, business relationships with Australians could deliver dollars while providing needed equipment and services, said Jarad Van Wagoner, GOED deputy director of international trade. He said a goal would be for the foreign companies to settle in Nevada then offer products and services in and out of state.

“Generally, it’s good for the economic development to bring those outsiders in,” Van Wagoner said.

The companies that Austmine represents specialize in technologies that save money and increase productivity in mining. Among those visiting Nevada were representatives from 16 companies such as a heavy equipment fabricator, oil cleaning company, escape technologies provider, consulting group, contractor, asset health manager and fleet manager.

Austmine represents about 450 companies and hosts conferences and trade missions in countries including the U.S., Canada, Russia and Ghana to explore growth opportunities.

“We try to build relationships across the globe,” Trzebski said. “For many, it’s the first time in Nevada. Reconnaissance.”

The fact-finding and relationship-building itinerary featured mine tours and networking events Oct. 15-20. The mission kicked off in Utah with a meeting among Rio Tinto Kennecott mine leaders. In Nevada, the group toured Newmont Mining Corp.’s Long Canyon, and Barrick Gold Corp.’s CodeMine and Turquoise Ridge site.

The trade mission itinerary also included visiting Reno, where participants met Nevada Mining Association members and staff. Not on the agenda was a spontaneous trip to the ghost town of Metropolis after the group heard about it from Wells City Manager Jolene Supp over lunch at Luthers Bar & Grill in Wells. She touted the area’s development and lifestyle opportunities, and described rural Nevada’s culture.

“It’s so rural out here, and that’s a good thing,” Supp said. “We are looked at as being a little redneck around here and forceful at times.”

During an industry round table at the Elko Conference Center, the Australians introduced themselves to guests from area mining companies, including Newmont, Kinross Gold Corp., Jerritt Canyon Gold, KGHM and Elko Mining Group.

From an economic development perspective, these operators and others might not get enough credit for the work they do in the state, said Sheldon Mudd, GOED mining industry specialist.

“They’re here and every year, they’re putting billions of dollars into projects,” he said.

The event allowed the existing companies to discuss challenges and share ideas on how prospective businesses could engage with the local sector, said Javier Jativa with Trade and Investment Queensland, a statutory body of the Queensland State Government in Australia.

The visitors asked established operators about topics such as workforce training, public perception of foreign goods and services, and how to best serve Nevada mines. The response from those at the round table seemed to form the consensus that to enter the local market, new companies would have to provide excellent price, stellar customer service, and a product or service that truly fits the needs of their clients. Only then would a business relationship last.

GOED will host a group from Canada for a similar tour in late October.