Delegates attending the global International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Melbourne could find the going a little tough if climate protestors have their way.

At least one group has already made an early start on protests while police were quoted by 9News as saying that 11 different groups planned to disrupt the conference.

“We expect to see heightened tactics by the protest groups,” Victoria Police acting commander Tim Tully said

“Our intelligence would suggest that the protesters have been planning, and are well co-ordinated, to undertake different tactics to what we saw, or very similar tactics to what we saw, in the recent protest activity.”

IMARC said in a statement that mining now had a strong focus on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, operating in the most sustainable ways possible and of ensuring it contributes to the communities in which it operates.

“IMARC is aware of protestors at the conference,” a spokesperson said.

“We work in an inclusive industry and we welcome a diverse spectrum of views at the forum.  This includes the right of groups and individuals to make their views known through a peaceful protest outside the forum, but not to cause disruption.”

IMARC noted that this year’s program would examine the increase in the importance of a social licence to operate, how technology improved mine safety and sustainability, the importance of battery minerals – key to the emerging electric car market – and the growing importance of ethical investments for resource companies.

Over 7,000 decision makers, mining leaders, policy makers, investors, commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators and educators from over 100 countries are expected to attend this year’s event.