TORONTO - April 18, 2005 - Russ Buckland, one of the leading experts in executive search in the mining industry, is set to deliver some thought-provoking points at the "Management Best Practices" forum and panel discussion Saying It Straight, to be held on April 26th at the CIM Mining Rocks! conference.

The forum will feature five speakers and panelists, including Buckland, with expertise in their respective fields, and promises to provide the conference attendees with a chance to discuss specific challenges facing the mining industry. Buckland will be focussing on what he terms, The Perfect Storm - the global industry shortage for talent and its impact on the industry.

"As an expert in the field of executive search for the mining industry, I am painfully aware of the existing shortage of skilled mining professionals and the difficulty this is creating for mining companies worldwide," says Buckland.

"The industry is beginning to understand the seriousness of the situation, and I feel this forum will help to draw some much-needed attention to this critical issue. I hope to get key people thinking about some solutions to this very significant problem, a problem which will only get worse over the next few years," added Buckland.

The CIM Mining Rocks! conference will be held April 24 to 27 - Metro Convention Centre, 255 Front St. West. Visit http://www.cim.org/mce/toronto2005

About Russ Buckland
Russ Buckland is regarded as one of the leading experts in executive search for professionals throughout the mining industry and manages global assignments with partners in Johannesburg, Perth, Melbourne, Santiago, Lima, London, and others throughout the world. As Managing Partner of The Bedford Consulting Group, Russ has developed one of the world's leading executive search practices specializing in the mining industry worldwide. His clients include many of the world's major mining companies as well as a number of Canadian and international emerging companies, juniors and exploration companies and leading EPCM clients.
Russ and his group have successfully managed over 500 assignments over the past 16 years for board directors, corporate and operating roles, domestic and international projects and technical specialists. He serves as Global Practice Leader for TranSearch International Plc's Natural Resource practice, one of the top ten executive search firms worldwide, and is supported by an experienced staff in Canada and internationally.

About The Bedford Consulting Group
The Bedford Consulting Group is one of Canada's largest privately held executive search companies, known for its sector expertise in various industries and distinctive search process focusing on leadership.
For more information visit http://www.bedfordgroup.com/natural.html or contact Russ Buckland at 905-338-7008 or 416-963-9000.