The theme of the CIM Conference & Exhibition 2012, "Minerals for all seasons", reflects our understanding that, although it is an ancient endeavour, mining and the subsequent provision of minerals, metals and materials is, and always has been, the foundation of our civilization.

Mining has a fundamental impact on our daily lives – it helps house, feed, clothe, heat, move, and energize humankind – in all seasons; it is essential to even the most high-tech machinery and gadgets of our modern world.