The message reads, in part:

"Russia's mining sector is a vital part of the national economy. It not only provides more than half of federal budget revenues, it also stimulates technological growth in related industries. The future of large infrastructure projects, strengthening the country's export potential and resolving many social issues, all directly depend on the efficiency of the mining sector.

"Today we must clearly define the strategic development priorities for the Russian mining sector, improve the mineral legislation, introduce environment conservation technologies and attract investment to the exploration and development of perspective mineral deposits.

"I am confident that all of these issues will be thoroughly analysed at the conference, resulting in practical recommendations that will be widely employed in the sector."