The Northwest Mining Association will bring its big, long-standing annual convention back to Spokane, Dec. 5-10.

The 116th Annual Meeting, Exposition & Short Course, the 2009 version of which was held in Reno-Sparks, Nev., will feature six days of short courses, technical sessions, and exhibits. It's expected to attract about 2,000 mining executives, geologists, and others to Spokane from around the U.S. and Canada and as far away as Australia and South America. It will be held at the Spokane Convention Center.

The Northwest Mining Association is based in Spokane, and its annual convention has been a tradition here, except in recent years, when it has alternated the venue somewhat between Spokane and Reno.

Among the keynote speakers this year is Stephen Moore, senior economics writer for the Wall Street Journal and co-author of the book "The End of Prosperity," who will speak on Wednesday, Dec. 8. Also, Chuck Jeannes, president and CEO of Vancouver, British Columbia-based Goldcorp. Inc., will provide an industry outlook at a luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 9.

The convention will include a number of multiday short courses, including a Mining Geology and Grade Control Course, and one titled An Introduction to the Evaluation of Mining Companies for Investment Purposes With an Emphasis on Junior Companies.

Technical sessions will range from mine safety and mining reclamation to meeting regulatory demands.

The convention also will include 238 booths sponsored by mining industry players and vendors, says Laura Skaer, the group's executive director.