On behalf of the Organising Committee and the scientific community we represent, it is an honour to invite you to participate in the 20th International Biohydrometallurgy Symposium- IBS 2013.

As we move forward from our gathering in Changsha, China almost one year ago, we strive to make the IBS in Antofagasta a great opportunity for discussion amongst leading scientists in the field and professional operators with renowned expertise in biohydrometallurgy processes.

The Antofagasta Region offers a unique setting for this meeting not only for its concentration of commercial bioleaching copper sulphide ore operations, but also for its proximity to large scale mining regions in neighbouring countries. Planned technical visits also provide broader opportunities for discussion beyond the rooms of the symposium. The Atacama Desert with its unique scenic presence and extreme ecosystems provides us with an exceptional setting for this meeting. We look forward to having you.