September 26 – 30 2016
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and UK Colombia Trade (UKCT) are organising a Mining focus trade delegation to Colombia.
Delegates will have the opportunity to attend the XII Colombia Feria Minera, the premier mining event in Colombia. It is the most important mining exhibition that will take place from September 26 – 30 2016 in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. This year this Mining Fair will also include the Expo-Metalica and the XXXI Feria Internacional of Bogota, which will secure even more traffic for participating companies.
Full benefits of participation
- Full support of UKTI and UKCT in Bogota. Opportunity to participate in XII Feria Internacional de Mineria in our British Stand. The mission is an opportunity to explore how to grow your business into this exciting country.
- Company and delegate profile in brochure (circulated in advance of mission).
- Assistance with travel arrangements through the appointed travel partners.
- Opportunity to network and exchange information with other delegates and potential customers.
- Opportunity to participate in the side programme in Medellin and Bogota. This programme will include meetings with the main players in the Mining industry in Colombia
- Follow up after the mission in case you need support contacting companies in Colombia
REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
Why Colombia?
Colombia is South America’s third largest economy and boasts some of the highest GDP growth rates in the region. The country has been enjoying economic and political stability allied to much-improved security conditions.
- Official Language: Spanish
- Population: 46,736,728 Jul 2015
- Area: 138.910 km²
- GDP: $293.2 billion (2015 est.)
- GDP (adjusted for PPP): $667.4 billion (2015 est.)
- Inflation: 5% (2015 est.)
- GDP per Capita adjusted for PPP: $13,800 (2015 est.)
- FDI 2013: $16.8 billion USD
- Government: Democratic Republic
- GDP Growth: 3.1% in 2015, 4.4% in 2014, 4.9% in 2013
The mining sector plays an important role in the Colombian economy. Its importance has been growing in the last years, and still remains as one of the main sectors of its economy. Currently the main mining activities in the country are of coal mining with open pit operations producing thermal coal in the North of the country representing around 95% of the country’s production and underground mine operation in the centre of the country producing metallurgical coal. Gold mining is also a very important activity with mega projects expected to be commissioned and developed in the coming years. Nickel mining is also an important mining activity with one big operation in country. Colombia also counts with emeralds mining in the centre of the country. Finally, in the last years quarries and mining of building materials have gained importance in the mining GDP as Colombia is in a process of upgrading its infrastructure. Opportunities are available and this Mining Fair will be the most important event to get a piece of the action.
Draft itinerary – four- day programme
Please note that this is a tentative itinerary designed to give an idea of the intended format of the visit and the companies UKTI will be approaching for meetings. Once UKTI confirms minimum numbers for the delegation we will ask you to complete a supplementary data form and use this information when approaching companies for meetings.
| Date | Activity/programme |
| Monday September 26th | Travel to Medellin, capital of Antioquia one of the most important mining provinces (mainly gold)* |
| Tuesday September 27th | Meetings with main mining companies in Medellin possibility to visit mining project in the region. * |
| Wednesday September 28th | Back to Bogota and participation in the Mining Fair at the British Stand * |
| Thursday September 29th | Academic programme and side programme of meeting during the Mining Fair at the British Stand |
| Friday September 30th | Academic programme and side programme of meeting during the Mining Fair at the British Stand |
*Agenda might be subject to changes
You will have the opportunity to find a wide range of possibilities in the mining sector as a supplier of this important extractive activity, all under one place:
- 6,000 square metres of exhibition
- Two floored Pavilion for the Mining Fair and 8 pavilions of the International Exhibition of Bogota
- Extensive business conferences between the mining, metallurgical operators and suppliers
- Great Event – based business and applied science technology, seeking to generate productive linkages
- Business opportunities in the Colombian market
You will be able to establish contact with the most important miners of gold, coal, emeralds, building materials, and also exploration companies.
We expect the attendance of Senior Management and Mid Level Management executives including Purchasing and Project Management Divisions.
Meetings will be held in the Pavilion where the UK Stand is located.
Visit programme
Local briefings
Once in Bogota, there will be a country briefing to update participants on the economic and political situation as well as local trading conditions and requirements.
Meetings
UK expertise exhibition will be organised by UKTI in collaboration with UKCT and ANDI. The exhibition will include meetings with local companies and key players within the industry including representatives from international firms operating in Colombia. The final programme will be tailored to suit delegate’s requirements as closely as possible.
We are currently finishing arrangements for the delegation to visit a mining project from one of the most important mining companies in Colombia. Cost of transportation and accommodations to visit Antioquia Province, Medellin, and possible mine site are not included in the fee and must be covered by each delegate. Tickets from Bogota to Antioquia should be covered by each delegate (Around £80 – £120). Once your booking is confirmed we will provide you with the delegation flight number.
Once your booking is confirmed you will be asked to complete a Supplementary Data Form with the names of companies and individuals you would like to see included in the programme. The aim is to organise structured group meetings in the UK pavilion.
Additional application notes
Participating companies should ensure that the representative on the delegation has authority and is competent to discuss the supply of the products or services they wish to sell. In addition, they need to be able to meet all the costs of their participation.
Delegate Numbers
Total numbers are limited to 12 delegates to ensure group members receive the best value possible during their visit, however, please note we will require a minimum of 8 delegates in order for this delegation to go ahead. We would advise waiting until we reach this number of delegates before booking non-refundable flights.
Academic Agenda
On Thursday September 29th and Friday September 30th the Mining Fair will count with an Academic Agenda with a series of Conferences about the Colombian mining sector. This will be of great use to fully understand the Colombian mining sector.
The current programme of the Academic Agenda will include (please be aware there might be some changes on the content of the academic agenda):
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. GENERAL REGISTRY
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. OPENING ACT
Minsiter of Mines & Energy – Dr. Germán Arce
Minister of Environment – Dr. Luis Gilberto Murillo
Presidente de la ANDI – Dr. Bruce Mac Master
Special Guests:
UK’s HMA’s Dr. Peter Tibber
Representation of Canada, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Peru, Chile,
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. MINING LEGISLATION STABILITY – WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO?
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. BREAK
11:00 a.m. 12:00 m. PANEL: THE FUTURE OF COAL
12:00 m. – 2:00 p.m. LUNCH
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. PANEL: GOLD MINING IN COLOMBIA: REALITIES AND THE FUTURE
3:00 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. LECTURE + PANEL: WATER USAGE AND DEFORESTATION IN COLOMBIA
4:10 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CONFERENCE: THE ROLE OF WATER IN MINING ACTIVITIES
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH 2016
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. PANEL: EFFECTIVE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION FOR AN INCLUSIVE MINING.
9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. PANEL: MINING AND THE FUTURE OF COLOMBIA
10:20 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. BREAK
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. PANEL: THE VISION OF CONGRESS OF MINING IN COLOMBIA
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. AWARDS TO MINES MANAGEMENT
12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. LUNCH
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CHALLENGES OF MINING INSTITUTIONALITY
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. HOW MUCH DOES ILLEGAL MINING COSTS TO COLOMBIA? ¿CUÁNTO LE CUESTA AL PAÍS LA ILICITUD MINERA? / CONFERENCE ABOUT MINING OF BUILDING MATERIALS AND QUARRIES
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. FINAL CONCLUSIONS AND CLOSE OF EVENT.
For more information:
Luis Puerto
Trade & Investment Officer
Participation fee
To cover the costs incurred by UKTI/UKCT in organising this trade delegation, a non-refundable management fee is levied for the participant from each company as follows:
*Member of UKCT or accredited British Chambers of Commerce: £400 (To be invoiced in US dollars)
*Non-member: £600 (To be invoiced in US dollars)
The participation fee is the shared cost for production of the delegation brochure, translations, local ground transport (except airport transfers), pavilion costs, delegation manage, plus any other expenses incurred on behalf of the group.
Cancellation charges
In the event of cancellation of the delegation for reasons beyond the control of UKTI and UKCT, all communal costs committed to the date of cancellation will be charged to the companies who would have participated.
Payment
Travel and visa costs: Direct to airline and hotel
Participation fee: Payable with application form to UK Colombia Trade
Travel
Please await instructions on the nominated hotel.
UKTI & UKCT has been in contact with several properties and has a number of options between £120 and £180 per night including VAT and breakfast. Once the delegation is confirmed we will contact you with further details on how to book with the designated hotels.
We request that you stay at the designated hotel for logistical reasons; if you would prefer to stay in another hotel, it is your responsibility to keep in contact with the delegation manager (Luis Puerto) and join the group at the hotel for transport or at the meetings venues.
Visas
British passport holders DO NOT require a visa to enter Colombia.
British nationals can enter Colombia for up to 90 days as visitors without a visa at the discretion of the Colombian Immigration Officer on arrival. You may need provide evidence of return or onward travel. Check the latest entry requirements with the Colombian Consulate General in London before you travel.
For those holding non-British passports please consult your local Colombian Embassy website for more information.
Flights
Avianca has a daily direct flight to Bogota, otherwise other viable options are:
Iberia and British Airways via Madrid. Currently flights are between £800 and £1000. Further instructions will follow on confirmation of the market visit.
Please do not book any non-refundable flights until the delegation has been confirmed.
Vaccinations
*Courses or boosters usually advised: tetanus; hepatitis A; malaria tablets.
*Other vaccines to consider: typhoid; hepatitis B; rabies and yellow fever.
Please check with your GP/local travel clinic before travelling.
Important
Please note that UKTI & UKCT will confirm the delegation is going ahead once we have a minimum number of bookings.
More detailed information will be provided to you at the time of confirmation.
