A NEW forum has been created to allow the Territory's mining companies to discuss the issues facing the industry. 

The Darwin Mining Club was officially launched last week by NT Resources Minister Kon Vatskalis. 

The club has been modelled on similar bodies in other capital cities and will host a monthly lunch for members to listen to guest speakers. 

NT Gas general manager Wendy Oldham is the inaugural chairwoman. 

The club's objectives will be to provide networking opportunities for the industry and help to create an ``information exchange''. 

The first meeting will be on Friday, June 25, at the Notovel Atrium. 

Uranium and gold mining company AREVA NT Australia's managing director Dr Philippe Portella will be the first guest speaker.