CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The 18^th to the 20^th of March 2013 will see 65 of South Africa's leading mining executives convene at the five-star Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa for what promises to be another hugely successful two and a half days of workshops, peer led panel discussions and working lunches. Hosted by GDS International, the fourth Next Generation Mining Africa summit promises to surpass this year's event, and set the standard for all future events in the region. (NGM Africa 4)

At this event, attendees will be looking at new efforts in sourcing innovative technologies to replace ageing mining machinery; rebuilding relationships with local communities; efforts to reduce downtime, improve safety and welfare; and driving the Sub-Saharan economy through mining. Delegates will also be looking at a few broader issues, including logistics, HSE, heavy machinery, communications, and completion and production services, to name a few.

Tony Frost, CEO for Sirocco Strategic Management, was an attendee at the event earlier this year, he said: "It's been a real pleasure to be here, at the African mining summit, and I think what makes the summit special is the variety of disciplines and the huge array of people from different parts of the continent, and that's something you don't often get the opportunity to be part of." He continues: "It was a great summit, extremely well organized and superbly communicated."

In attendance at next year's event will be: Andre van der Bergh, VP Strategic Projects for BHP Biliton; Ben Devries, GM Mining for Rio Tinto; Thomas Frempong, Mining Manager for Randgold; Renier Swart, Deputy Global Head of S&SD Risk & Assurance for Anglo American; and Barry Hodgkinson, VP Operations for Konkola Copper Mines. There will also be a dynamic mix of sponsors at the event, including: Shell Vivo, Tranter Holdings, Mammoet, Manitou and Minova.

Joe Thompson, NG Mining Africa Summit Director for GDS International, the global events company behind the event says: "The annual NG Mining Africa summit attracts the major players of the mining industry to thrash out fresh ideas, outline new projects and upgrade existing services across Sub-Saharan Africa on a peer-to-peer level."

He continues: "The 5* Arabella Western Cape Hotel and Spa will once again provide leading decision makers with a warm business environment for negotiation, strategy alignment and a format to conquer reoccurring challenges and headaches that impact production, safety, operational efficiency and most of all - the bottom line."

For more information, please visit http://www.ngminingsummit.com  

About GDS International

GDS International is one of the most innovative events and media companies worldwide - and a globally renowned producer of business-to-business summits, conferences, online information and advisory group gatherings. Founded in 1993, GDS International specialises in meeting the B2B marketing needs of our clients. Having a strong presence in mature industrial sectors but a finger on the pulse of emerging markets - as well as up-and-coming B2B business verticals - means we are perfectly placed to capitalise on the exciting developments brought about by the advent of a globalised economy. Our value proposition is simple: we deliver tangible business results from world-class events.

http://www.gdsinternational.com

Contact: Kimberley Hogarth
kimberley.hogarth@gdsinternational.com 
0044-1179-261-420