First International Conference on
Mining Impacts to the Human and Natural Environments

Purpose of the Conference
The First International Conference on Mining Impacts to the Human and Natural Environments will be held on March 15, 2008 at Best Western Motel in Punta Gorda, Florida. The conference will focus on adverse impacts not being addressed or evaluated by the regulatory agencies and municipalities, as well as various means of improving monitoring inadequacies and inaccuracies.

Conference Topics
Conference topics include: human health, quality of life and economic impacts; impacts to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and native soils; and improved monitoring techniques. Presentations (30 minutes) and posters will summarize each conference topic in morning and afternoon sessions. A panel discussion will be provided at the end of the morning and afternoon sessions to facilitate discussion between the speakers and audience members. A published conference proceedings will be available at a later date. SPEAKER SCHEDULE

Conference Organization
Scientists, other experts and organizations have been invited to speak on a wide variety of topics related to mining impacts and means of improving monitoring and assessment. Volunteers, including scientists from various universities, organized the conference. No participants are being paid for their participation in the conference.

Registration
The conference is free and open to the public, but on-line registration is required. Space is limited and attendance will be confirmed based on those with the earliest registration dates. If the number of registrants exceeds the capacity of the conference room, individuals who have not checked in at the registration desk by 8:00 AM the day of the conference will forfeit their space to late registrants who have checked in at the registration desk by 8:00 AM.