In the context of VII International Zoloto 2005 Show there was a conference held devoted to Russian gold mining industry. The list of the conference participants included the heads of Federal Council commissions, the representatives of the State Duma, Federal Mining Agency, GOKHRAN, Russian and foreign gold mining and investment companies (Vysochaishiy, Zapadnaya, Polimetall, Polus, Russdragmet, Barrick International Ltd, Gold Fields International Services Ltd etc.).

There were 35 reports made at the conference in five sectors: precious metals mining, investment market and financing, geological works, taxation and legislation, technologies and equipment.

According to the reports, Russian gold mining volumes are increasing but recently there has a tendency appeared towards the growth decrease. In 2004 gold production in Russia amounted to 180514 kg (2% growth). The leaders in gold mining are Polus Company (33969 kg), Polimetall (6826.7 kg), Amur (6614.4 kg) and Russdragmet (6151.8 kg).

In 2005 it is planned to produce approximately 161 tons of gold.

In 2004 the process of gold mining assets continued, the most active companies being Polus, Highland Gold Mining Ltd and Peter Hambro Mining Plc. The most important problem in the sector is investment into gold mining an dsearching and to great extent it will depend on the new law On Natural resources.

The next exhibition and confe3rence will be organised in February 2006 in new extended format.