The Northern Territory Minister for Resources, Kon Vatskalis, will travel to Perth today to attend the Australian Uranium Conference taking place in Fremantle from the 22 – 23 July 2009.

Mr Vatskalis said he will be representing the Northern Territory at what has become the most important annual event for the industry.

“The Territory Government is a strong supporter of our resources industry with the mining and petroleum sectors combined contributing around 23% of our GSP and directly employing around 4000 people,” he said.

“By encouraging further mineral exploration in the NT we will assist our economy to grow and provide employment opportunities in our regions where there is the potential for many new discoveries.

“This is the largest gathering of uranium industry representatives in Australia, and I will be there to outline what the Henderson Government is doing to support and develop this industry.

“I look forward to delivering a keynote address to the conference where I will discuss some exciting new discoveries as well as outline a number of Government initiatives to encourage exploration in the NT.”

The Minister said the Northern Territory delegation will also be hosting an NT Uranium Investment Seminar prior to the conference, in conjunction with the Japan Oil Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC).

“It will be the first time we have held such a seminar in Australia and it will provide an avenue to promote local opportunities directly to Japanese investors,” he said.