In 2023, the major global financial and cultural centre of Hong Kong is alive, back to normal, and open for business.

With Covid restrictions now a thing of the past, 121 Mining is re-launching its in-person Mining Investment Event on 29-30 March at the Island Shangri-La, its first in Hong Kong since 2019.

Perfect timing, as it will happen between two other popular events: Art Basel HK and the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.

“The rest of our events around the world are back up and running,” says 121 commercial director Alex Harris.

“We have been running record-breaking events in Cape Town and London. Everything is looking very positive.

“We are now looking to relaunch Hong Kong after a three-year hiatus.”

 

Meeting deep-pocketed investors face to face

Run over two days, the event will see over 180 investors and 30 mining companies participate in pre-scheduled, face-to-face, one-to-one meetings.

These 30-minute meetings will run alongside a series of panels, presentations, and interviews discussing industry trends and company news.

The main attraction of the 121 events is to connect mining companies with relevant investors, says Harris.

“All the investors – institutional funds, analysts, family offices and high-net-worths – are essentially vetted so we know what commodities they are interested in, exchange, company stage … all that information,” he says.

“We also profile the mining companies and, through our matchmaking software, we set up targeted meetings.

“So, when a company comes to an event of ours, they will have a schedule of one-to-one meetings with relevant investors.” 

 

Investors have a lot of cash ready to deploy

In 2023, the feeling is bullish across a range of different commodities, adding to the sense that there is a lot of capital from Hong Kong investors ready to be deployed into junior mining stocks.

“People we have spoken to appear very bullish,” Harris says.

“I think companies coming up to Hong Kong can expect a quality meeting schedule with relevant investors, who are interested in what these mining companies are doing.”

“I also think the faster than expected reopening of the Chinese economy is only going to help things as well.”

One of the investors taking part is Jianzhou Xu, chief overseas investment manager of Zhaojin Capital.

“We are looking forward to the first in-person 121 Mining Investment Hong Kong event since 2019, and hope to be able to sit down with a selection of quality Australian juniors to hear how their projects are progressing,” he says.

The appetite here is so strong, says Harris.

“Everyone has been shut away for nearly three years with no face-to-face meetings,” he says.

“There is a big appetite for ASX-listed companies. There has always been a strong appetite, but I think it is stronger than ever right now.”

 

This article was developed in collaboration with 121, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Read MoreBattery Metals

You might be interested in