Held for the first time in Denmark in 2003, SAMPLING 2011 was to be chaired this year by the prominent Chilean geologist Pedro Carrasco, based on the decision made by the conference commission during the last version held in South Africa in 2009. However, due to Mr. Carrasco's sudden passing in 2010, his colleague and friend, the international sampling consultant Francis Pitard, acquired the position of Chair albeit with mixed feelings. However, he assured that "for us, Pedro is still alive and his spirit will be with us for a long time".

Over 300 professionals from the area of copper metallurgy attended Sheraton Miramar Hotel in Viña del Mar last 6, 7 and 8 July, to participate from the 6th International Seminar on Copper Hydrometallurgy, HydroCopper 2011. The event offered a forum to discuss the latest challenges related to the wet processing of copper ores.

Over 100 papers from authors of 20 countries, in addition to an interesting discussion panel on ideas and solutions to strengthen the mining industry`s social license to operate, were offered at the First International Seminar on Social Responsibility in Mining—SRMINING 2011, which was held 19–21 October 2011 at the Sheraton Santiago Hotel and Convention Center in Chile, organized by Gecamin and the Center of Social Responsibility in Mining of SMI, The University of Queensland, Australia.

The 2nd International Seminar on Geology for the Mining Industry, Geomin 2011, and the 2nd Seminar on Mine Planning, Mineplanning 2011, had a successful closure after two days of technical sessions. The seminars included the keynote session "Technical challenges of the rescue at San Jose's mine" by André Sougarret, Operations Deputy General Manager for Codelco's El Teniente division.