• MTE EXHIBITIONS
MTE , A STANDOUT INDUSTRIAL EXPO ORGANISER
By Sharyn Macnamara
Mining and Technical Exhibitions ( MTE ) has differentiated its unique brand in the SADC region for over 30 years . MTE is characterised by its unique logo and yellow and orange tents . The group uses a tried-and-tested travelling exhibition concept utilising its fully owned trucks , equipment and infrastructure , and direct interaction with mining and industrial operations .
MTE organises 26-27 exhibitions annually across the SADC region , bringing relevant suppliers and new technologies to the doorsteps of operations , fostering strong relationships and offering discounts for multiple shows in a single region . Andrew Macnamara ( Andrew ) talks to MTE ’ s partner publication , African Mining , incorporating Mining Mirror ( AM ) about the company ’ s focus on reliable , high-impact , short-duration expos which minimise disruption to mining and industrial operations and maximise the dissemination of relevant , solutions-driven information that supports operational safety , efficiencies and sustainability . Anticipating a stable year in the mining industry in 2025 , MTE plans to enhance its offerings based on feedback from suppliers and visitors alike , aiming to provide more value to the mining industry , among other industries .
AM : When it comes to the MTE brand , how is MTE different to similar service providers in the industry ?
Andrew : The industry knows our Tavelling Mining and Technical Exhibitions by its logo , characterised by the orange rising sun , and our company owned , unique yellow and orange tents . We own our equipment and infrastructure , including our branded trucks , which enable us to set up an expo of any size , at any time , anywhere . We differentiate ourselves in that we interact directly with the visitor – the mining and industrial operations – far in advance of our events , obtaining operational intel and requirements and buy-in from management ahead of the event to bring relevant suppliers and tech to the events . This secures ‘ the feet ’ ahead of time directly impacting the success of our exhibitors . Our long-standing relationships with mining operations based on years of interaction secures facetime with the decision makers on the day .
Furthermore , our long-standing , consistent team with over 70 years of combined industry experience and our strong media backing add to MTE ’ s industry impact . Partnering with African Mining , incorporating Mining Mirror – a fully-entrenched trade and technical brand on the African continent – enables MTE ’ s boots on the ground . Together the two media platforms can cover important industry topics , providing solutions to industry challenges .
AM : What are the different types of MTE expos on offer ?
Andrew : Originally , we created smaller , intimate expos on mine property , catering to a specific operation ’ s needs . As the business evolved , MTE progressed and targeted larger mining areas – like the eastern and western limbs in South Africa – with more general industrial or commodity specific expos , enabling bigger expos with up to 180 suppliers exhibiting to a much larger audience and number of operations at the event .
The MTE concept then evolved further , and we started offering combo and trilogy shows in the outlying areas and over border mining regions to mitigate expense for suppliers and to make the solutions-driven concept more accessible to operations in the more rural areas . Our combo and trilogy tours like the Northern Cape Tour emerged , offering two and three shows in a single week .
By organising more shows in a week , MTE can reduce operating costs , these savings are then passed on to the supplier who can purchase more shows for less and reduce their own resource cost by running more than one stand in a week . This kind of show is particularly popular when it comes to our over-border expos in Botswana , Zambia and Zimbabwe . The high-impact , 4 – 5-hour expo , in turn , offers relevant content for visitors while minimising travel time and time away from the operations , which is always time conscious and production driven .
AM : Your next annual trilogy tour will be in Botswana – what will the focus be there ?
Andrew : MTE will host its popular Letlhakane , Palapye and Jwaneng expos on 10 , 12 and 14 March respectively in the mining and power sectors . Botswana projects in the pipeline like the Jwaneng Expansion Project ( with Debswana ’ s approved USD1-billion investment to convert the Jwaneng diamond mine from open-pit to underground operations ); the underground expansion project at Karowe Diamond Mine in Letlhakane ; and coal projects like the Mmamabula West Project in the Palapye are attracting particular interest now .
AM : What do you believe 2025 holds for MTE and its support base ?
Andrew : MTE has conducted a brand construct exercise , incorporating feedback from both mining operations and exhibitors to improve our product and service . In the coming months , we plan to add new elements to our offering , focusing areas of delivery beyond engineering , such as processing and beneficiation . The goal is to provide a better experience for visitors and exhibitors , ensuring high value and continuous improvement . MTE remains proactive , always looking for opportunities and acting on feedback to stay ahead in the industry . •
Contact Andrew on + 27 ( 0 ) 82 720 0083 or andrew @ interactmedia . co . za
26 • African Mining • February 2025 www . africanmining . co . za