The CIMG was formed in early 2002. Prior to this existed the Australian Canadian International Mining Working Group (ACIMWG) that had been in existence for 10 years. This group was a formation of the initial two sets of the international mining community in the early years of the international mining industry in China. These two sets were two totally separate groups representing mining related members of AustCham Beijing (China-Australia Chamber of Commerce) and Canadian members through the Canadian Embassy.

In the early years the ACIMWG advocated and assisted government authorities in the benefits of FDI in the mining industry in China. Particularly of the tax and corporate structure related issues.

Still though, up to this point China had opened its doors to foreign investors for nearly the last twenty years and spectacular advances have been made in some sectors such as the manufacturing industry. Unfortunately, these successes had not been realised in the mining industry. At this point in time there was no large mining projects that where currently operated as Sino - foreign joint ventures.

In early 2000, the group realised that the success of the group hinged on foreign investment being both welcome and meaningful to China. Around this time, several companies had launched mining ventures or had advanced exploration to a level at which it appeared likely that successful mining outcomes could be anticipated in the near future.

It was against this background the group held an event in mid 2000 to celebrate the signing of an MOU in late 1999 as well as recent developments in the mining sector. This MOU was signed on 8th September 1999, during President Jiang Zemin’s historic visit to Australia, where Mr Zhou Wensheng and Minister Minchin signed a MOU between the Australian and Chinese Government Ministries in charge of resources. The objective of this MOU was to advance bilateral co- operation in the Mining Sector.  It is considered timely to present some ideas for discussion on how the ongoing interests of the collective group of foreign interests may best be represented in China.

It from this that the separate international mining groups in China set an agenda to form the current CIMG platform to issues peculiar to the foreign investors in the mining sector. It was realised as well that a broader constituency successor could provide a useful service. This goes beyond a social point of contact for geologists and mining people, both residents and visitors, and includes moving forward on issues of policy and business promotion.

Since 2002 the group has been successful with the assistance of its members in working the with the Chinese Government in:

• Reforming the current tax regulations in regards to foreign mining entities in China through its China Tax Workshop in 2003.
• Playing an instrumental role in the development of China’s Mining Law with the issue of its “China Mining Law Review Paper” in 2004
• Signing of an MOU with the CNIA in 2004
• Holding the largest ‘Heads of Business and Government” networking cocktail 2004
• Holding relevant and practical seminars, workshops and rouindtables for its members and various government departments to help foster an understanding of best business practice in mining

The CIMG also recognises the support of the staff at both the Australian and Canadian embassies over the years for their continuing input. As well, it recognises the support of the British Chamber of Commerce, South African Business Council, United States Business Council and the Chinese Mining Association.

Early in 2007 the CIMG members acknowledged the increasing need to engage domestic industry in order to effectively promote sustainable mining in China. This has culminated in a number of fruitful relationships with Chinese associations and a supporting relationship with the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment.