The Advanced Metals Initiative (AMI) of the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) facilitates research, development and innovation across the whole value chain in the field of advanced metals. The goal is to achieve sustainable local mineral beneficiation and to increase the downstream value addition of local advanced metals in a sustainable manner through industry, relevant research and development, technology transfer, and ultimately, commercialisation. 

ZrTa2011 aims to bring together researchers, industry and government stakeholders to share and debate the latest trends, research and innovative solutions in the field of zirconium, hafnium, niobium and tantalum metals. This is the focus of the New Metals Development Network of the AMI.

The event kicks off with a Student Seminar covering the full scope of the AMI on 12 October 2011. This includes all the networks, namely Light Metals (Ti, Al, Mg), Precious Metals (Au & PGMs), New Metals (Zr, Hf, Nb & Ta) and Ferrous & Base Metals. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to share their research with peers and to improve their presentation skills.

The conference will provide a forum for researchers and industry role players to present the progress made over the past few years on research and development, as well as industrial application of technologies with regard to these metals. The intention is also to promote the activities of the New Metals Development Network to the broader South African industrial and scientific communities. It is a unique opportunity for networking and information sharing.