Friday, 9 February, 2007

ABC NT Local News

Mining companies from China's Chamber of Commerce have arrived in the Northern Territory, keen to look at base metal opportunities.

The chamber represents China's major mining and metals industries and this delegation is the first of four that will visit the NT this year.

Mines Minister Chris Natt went to Beijing last year to drum up business for the region and to encourage companies to visit.

"Basically they're interested in base metals," he said.

"With the mining boom the way it's going at the moment, base metals are a very, very sought-after item.

"The Northern Territory's very rich in that resource, so basically that's what they're after."

Mr Natt says his visit to China has led to serious interest from the Asian giant.

He says more delegations are expected this year, and says the leader of this one, Chen Haoran, has been very supportive of building links between China and the Territory.

"The Chinese companies are very, very interested in the Northern Territory," he said.

"The information that we provided them with last year on our trip to Beijing has really opened their eyes.

"To the point where the Chamber of Commerce that Mr Chen represents, they've actually put our contact web page on their website."