The 20th yearly BMO Capital Markets Global Metals and Mining Conference will be held from February 27 to March 2 in Hollywood, Florida.

A record number of people registered their names to attend the 20th annual BMO Capital Markets Global Metals and Mining Conference, one of the biggest events all over the world for metals and mining investors.

Organizers said that a hefty number of firms would be staging this year comprising Barrick Gold, Rio Tinto, Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Newmont Mining, Goldcorp and Kinross Gold.

Tom Milroy, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Capital Markets stated that the accomplishment and longevity of this conference are an evidence to the caliber of the metals and mining group.

''We first held this event in 1991 in Whistler, British Columbia with just a handful of companies. Today, it has grown to become the pre-eminent industry event. This year, investors will have an opportunity to meet executives from over 275 leading mining companies from 31 countries around the world. This is a truly outstanding turnout,'' Mr. Milroy added.

BMO's Metals & Mining Equity Research group, which jointly covers around 150 firms, will host the 3 day event.

Mr. Tony Robson, co-head of mining research at BMO Capital Markets, said, ''Given current metal prices, mining companies are enjoying high margins with strong cash flows."

The members of the BMO Metals & Mining Equity Research Group comprise Meredith Bandy, Research Analyst, Coal Mining; David Haughton, Co-Head Mining Research, Precious Metals Analyst; Tony Robson, Co-Head Mining Research, Base Metals Analyst; John Hayes, Research Analyst, Mining Exploration; Andrew Breichmanas, Research Analyst, Gold; David Cotterell, Research Analyst, Base Metals; Johannes Faul, Research Analyst, Base Metals; David Radclyffe, Research Analyst, Senior Base Metals; Andrew Kaip, Research Analyst, Silver and Gold; Edward Sterck, Research Analyst, Uranium and Diamonds.