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, oc.pr.eu@gmail.com