The first meeting of the Mining Task Force was held in Arequipa, Peru from the 23 to the 24 May 2008. Participants discussed the MTF's scope of activities in the context of the APEC Ministers and Leaders' ten policy principles and priorities. These include among others:

• fostering investment in the APEC minerals sector through the pursuit of clear and predictable investment policies;
• fostering regular exchanges concerning experiences with regulations affecting the minerals sector; and
• the promotion of transparency.

The Task Force workplan for 2008 was considered and adopted by the participants. Components include:

• undertaking a study focused on the means of attracting investment to the mining sector which will focus on rules of investment; the regulatory framework impacting the industry and the availability of a skilled workforce. In the broader context, the study also could address the issues of good governance and transparency.
• the endorsement of a project proposal by Russia on ?sustainable growth in mining in APEC; and
• the endorsement of a project proposal by Russia on best practices in mining and in further processing of iron ore.