Foreword

     SIMEXMIN, the biennial Symposium promoted by the Agency for the Technological Development of the Brazilian Mineral Industry – ADIMB, is a benchmark in the mineral exploration which brings together the Brazilian and international communities of the sector to discuss the difficulties and advances experienced in the mineral exploration in Brazil and abroad in the last years. Discussions comprise political, economic, legal, technological, environmental and financial matters. Inspired in the Annual Convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada. SIMEXMIN represents also an opportunity to negotiate prospects and services in the mineral exploration area.

     As a tradition, SIMEXMIN 2010 will take place in the city of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, the cradle of the Brazilian mining industry, on May 23rd to 26th, with the co-promotion of Society of Economic Geologists and the Prospector and Developers Association of Canadá. Considering the recovery of mineral commodities prices and the restart of projects cancelled by the end of 2008, we expect to have on May 2010 a fertile environment for the mineral exploration sector in Brazil.

     The extraordinary and cozy geologic-mineral environment and the tourism of Ouro Preto region together with SIMEXMIN 2010 offers is a special opportunity for discussion, professional improvement and business development. It is also a moment to enjoy the fascinating colonial tourism of Minas Gerais state. Thus, we invite the Brazilian and international mineral exploration community to join us at the warm environment of Ouro Preto to get organized in favor of the Brazilian mineral exploration development.