Coal Age Magazine - For more than 100 years, Coal Age has been the magazine that readers can trust for guidance and insight on this important industry.
Issue link: https://coal.epubxp.com/i/706026
18 www.coalage.com July 2016 minexpo 2016 preview Mining Business Bets Big on MINExpo 2016 by steve fiscor, editor-in-chief Billed as the largest gathering of mining pro- fessionals and equipment suppliers, MIN- Expo International 2016 is scheduled to take place September 26-28 at the Las Vegas Con- vention Center. Organized by the National Mining Association (NMA) every four years, the event gives the professionals involved in mining and mineral processing a chance to see the latest equipment, listen to presenta- tions and meet with their peers. So, what can delegates expect at MIN- Expo 2016? Coal Age asked the NMA and several of the leading equipment suppliers that question. The association is building on its prior successes with some interest- ing twists. Some vendors are keeping their MINExpo 2016 activities under wraps, but a few did share their plans. As a point of reference, MINExpo 2012 set new records as far as the number of ex- hibitors (1,865), exhibition space (860,000 ft 2 ) and attendance (52,000). That, howev- er, was a different time, when business for both coal and metal mining companies was brisk. In the ensuing four years, the coal in- dustry has suffered a rout. Prices for metals weakened and some have since recovered, but not to 2012 levels. Organizing an event of this magnitude is no easy task. With the help of others, Moya Phelleps, senior vice president, member services for the NMA, manages MINExpo. Describing what delegates would see at this year's event, she said many of the exhibitors are bringing large equipment and unveiling new models. "Participating in MINExpo is a huge financial commitment and they not only want to support the mining business, but they believe strongly that the mining industry has a bright future," Phelleps said. "In 2012, MINExpo hit all of the high points. The last 18 months to two years, however, have been particularly challenging for both sectors, coal and hard rock mine operators. The number of exhibitors is about the same as this time four years ago, and so are pre- registration levels for delegates." Phelleps said visitors can expect to see new technologies and services that can low- er production costs, improve productivity and improve safety. Technical experts will be available to assist operators with daily issues and challenges. Visitors will also notice some differenc- es. As many as 25% of the exhibitors are new companies. There will be several interna- tional pavilions on the show floor, including Canada, China, Australia, Chile, Germany, France and Sweden. "France and Sweden are new this year," Phelleps said. At this point, 840,000 ft 2 at the Las Vegas Conven- tion Center has been booked, which is all of the indoor space, but Phelleps said they do have limited outdoor space available. Acknowledging that times are difficult, the NMA has been working with its produc- er members to get as many people from the mines to the show floor as they can. At its annual fall board meeting in 2015, the NMA decided to waive the registration fees for all miners whose companies are members of the NMA. "All of our producer members and those member developing properties in the U.S. — Cloud Peak Energy, North American Coal, etc. — will have compa- ny-wide complimentary registrations no matter where they reside," Phelleps said. "This is a big commitment on our part. It was well received by the producers. All of the producers have agreed to bring large contingents of personnel to [the] show and some are planning to host company meet- ings at the event. The vendors have com- mitted to bringing their customers to the show as well." This is a $100 savings before the August 12 deadline, and $200 afterward. The Largest Mining Exhibition The chairman of MINExpo 2016 is Denise Johnson, president of Caterpillar's mining division. This is the first time the event has been chaired by a woman. She and other dignitaries will cut the ribbon at an opening ceremony on Monday morning, September 26. Afterward, the crowd is invited to attend an opening session from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. "We are building on the success of the opening session we hosted in 2012," Phel- leps said. "That was the first. This time we have Nina Easton, chair of Fortune's Most Powerful Women International and a Fox News analyst, moderating a panel discus- sion with senior mining industry executives discussing the issues of the day and the fu- ture as they see it." World's largest mining exposition reconvenes in Las Vegas to showcase advances in equipment, technology and services More than 52,000 people visited the Las Vegas Convention Center for MINExpo 2012.