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Aspermont Limited [ASX: ASP] - Optimistic outlook returns for Australian mining

Despite the challenges of the global financial crisis over the past 12 months, optimism appears to have returned to the mining sector.

According to the results of this year�s Mining and Construction Industry Survey, the Australian mining industry is generally optimistic about the outlook for the remainder of 2009.

Specialist media and conferencing group Aspermont Limited in conjunction with financier GE Capital Australia commissioned a study on the outlook for the Australian mining industry.

The survey was conducted with major mining and construction companies in Australia as well as within the supply sector servicing the industry, and targeted over 250 CEOs and senior executives across the sector.

More than 60% of respondents from mining companies expect business conditions to improve, with the major reasons given being a stock market recovery and an increase in demand and new business.

The construction industry also supported this optimism, with 70% of respondents expecting business conditions to improve over the course of the year.

The survey indicates that market confidence seems to be returning to the stock exchange, although there is still a level of uncertainty regarding the future direction of markets in the United States.

This year�s survey also provides insight into how companies have reacted to the economic downturn of the past 12 months.

The responses show that recent conditions have allowed a significant percentage of companies to focus on their businesses and have encouraged cost control initiatives.



For further information on the survey or any of Aspermont�s products or services for the mining sector, please contact Jackie Richmond, Marketing Manager, Aspermont Limited on +61 8 6263 9110

For media enquiries, please contact Radha Belapurkar, Fortbridge Consulting on +61 2 9331 0655 or email ; or Sean Walsh at GE Capital on +61 2 8249 3537 or email