In the letter of invitation from AdDU president Fr Joel Tabora, SJ, the objectives of the conference are: to obtain updates and analysis of current mining operations in Mindanao and the impact on the environment, livelihood, rights, and lives of people within and outside mining communities in Mindanao; to share people's initiatives and gains in addressing the negative effects of mining and to promote the need for new mining policies; to strengthen networking among people's organizations and NGOs doing work on mining-related concerns; and to promote greater participation in dialogue and exchange.