Call for bids for the next ICARD

During the closing plenary session of the ICARD 7, to be held on the morning March 30 in St Louis, USA, there will be the opportunity for discussion on the next ICARD to be held in 2009. This session will be chaired by Mr. Denis Kemp representing the International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP) which supports the continuation of ICARD conferences.

INAP is asking that representatives of any organization with an interest in hosting the next ICARD come to the final plenary session prepared to give a brief presentation (about 10 minutes) presenting a bid for their organization to host the next conference. This should include information on the potential organizing and supporting committees, location and venue, expected participants and communications and outreach strategies and also initial thoughts on field trips and associated workshops/short courses.

All participants at the session will have the opportunity through the chair, to pose questions of the presenters about their bid.

A number of criteria have been defined for selecting the next ICARD host.  These should be addressed in the presentation. ICARDs should be hosted:

• By an organization with access to appropriate technical resources which enable the selection of high quality presentations for a comprehensive overview of the latest ARD and metal mobilisation information
• With sufficient administrative support - INAP does not provide support for conferences
• In a way which maximizes participation of key stakeholders (mining industry representatives, consultants, researchers, non governmental organizations and regulators)
• With international outreach on a global basis
• In a way which promotes and maintains the ‘ICARD identity’ particularly if hosted in conjunction with another conference or forum
• At locations which are readily accessible from key international locations. In addition, every alternate ICARD should be held outside North America if possible
• At locations where relevant field trips and site visits can be organized
• To capitalize on other possible attractions (e.g. at a location with tourist attractions or in conjunction with other events with similar audiences)

The objective of the session on March 30 is to enable INAP and the conference attendees to learn about expressions of interest for hosting the next ICARD. A final decision on the host for that conference may not be made in St Louis, depending on the nature and timing of the bids received. In that event, INAP would continue to manage the process of selection through its Operating Committee in co-operation with the Global ARD Alliance of regional organizations.

Contact Denis Kemp (denis.kemp@falconbridge.com) or Amber Turner (Amber.Turner@riotinto.com).