MTE EXHIBITIONS •
MTE GEARS UP FOR AN EVEN BIGGER 2026
Edited by Sharyn Macnamara
As the mining industry gears up for another year of growth and innovation, MTE is poised to make a significant impact, writes Sharon Mdaka.
Powering into the new year with enhanced focus on solutionsdriven innovation, Mining and Technical Exhibitions( MTE) will continue to bring the industry’ s best and sharpest together.
“ What MTE continues to achieve and will keep striving for, is to bring likeminded people together; people who can help one another. Operations, mines, smelters and processing plants all face immense challenges. Whether they’ re starting up, expanding or simply looking to operate more efficiently, operators need to meet the right suppliers. The suppliers that exhibit at our tradeshows supply exceptional products and services that can help operations run optimally. MTE acts as a vehicle for connection, creating a space for networking, showcasing innovation and encouraging open dialogue,” says MTE’ s operations director, Andrew Macnamara.
Key priorities and goals for 2026“ Our primary objective is always to bring together a valuable meet-andgreet exhibition that showcases the right products, at the right time, in the right region. That’ s why I always make a point of speaking directly with the mines, either in person or virtually to understand their needs for the year ahead and to ensure management buy-in for our expos.
“ At its core, mining is about extracting and processing ore as efficiently, safely and profitably as possible. MTE supports this by hosting exhibitions where solutions are found and partnerships are formed. Many of our long-standing events such as those in Rustenburg, the Northern Cape and Steelpoort remain on the calendar because of their continued relevance to these active mining regions,” says Macnamara.
Next year will see the travelling exhibitions expand further.“ We’ re taking MTE into new territories. For example, we have traditionally hosted three shows every February in Botswana focused on diamonds, which are central to that country’ s economy. However, with the diamond market under pressure currently and global demand shifting toward critical minerals for electric vehicles( EVs) and solar and green energy, we are adapting our focus.
“ This year we’ ll venture into Maun for the first time – a region rich in copper mining potential. From there we will move down to Jwaneng, where we already have an established annual expo. The distances are roughly 800 to 1 000km apart, but our strong relationships and trusted reputation make this new addition possible. We’ ve secured buy-in from major players in the region such as the Motheo Copper Mine owned by Sandfire.”
Part of the new focus in the company’ s plan for 2026 and expansion into the future are the South Deep Gold Mine( Goldfields) near Carletonville and copper and zinc projects in Springbok and in the Northern Cape. These additions complement MTE’ s existing portfolio of exhibitions, ensuring they continue to serve both established mining hubs and emerging markets.
Prospects for the next few years include exploring opportunities in Lesotho, Eswatini( Swaziland), Namibia( particularly in uranium) and Mozambique – although these require long-term planning due to logistical challenges.
Building on the momentum of 2025, Macnamara explains,“ From a marketing and planning perspective, we also identify key focus areas for each show. For instance, if a mine is prioritising underground support, our sales team targets suppliers specialising in that field. We then inform the mine that these suppliers will be present, and we ensure the right people like rock mechanics, engineers and supervisors attend.
“ We’ re constantly looking for new suppliers, industries and fresh opportunities. MTE’ s exhibitions extend beyond mining as we also operate in the paper and pulp, processing and industrial sectors. Essentially, where there are moving parts, there’ s an opportunity for an exhibition. And of course, we closely monitor commodity trends. Mining cycles shift quickly, so timing and adaptability are key.”
In terms of how MTE will be aligning its exhibitions to reflect technological change and helping suppliers adapt for the long term, Macnamara said that there must be a balance. It’ s not always about showcasing the‘ latest
© MTE
Andrew Macnamara, operations director at MTE.
gadget’. While MTE promotes innovation, the company also ensures that it caters to the everyday needs of operations.“ We work closely with both suppliers and mine managers to understand where technology can add value without over-complicating operations.
“ Tech and innovation are reshaping mining, but we must balance that with practicality. Mines still rely on core products like pumps, valves, safety gear and electrical systems. We are gradually integrating new technology into our exhibitions and introducing innovations such as drones for underground safety inspections and stockpile monitoring, condition-monitoring sensors for tyres and equipment and conveyor safety systems that prevent costly damage. These advancements enhance efficiency, reduce downtime and improve safety.
Meeting the needs of each mining hub“ It all comes down to relationships and communication. If we maintain strong engagement with the end users, management and our visitors, we can keep delivering value. Our exhibitions thrive on this.”
MTE has been in the industry for over 30 years with a database to match. Macnamara encourages mining houses to reach out to MTE with the operational challenges and when they are in need of a supplier, or should they wish to discuss possible solutions.“ Call us and we will connect you with the right supplier( s) to assist. Our role is to add value, not just host events.”
Servicing suppliers“ For our suppliers, engagement is everything. MTE creates the environment, but the supplier makes the expo work for them by selecting the right people to service the stand – technical experts to talk to engineers. Interaction is key. We’ ve even introduced colour-coded visitor stickers so that exhibitors can identify key stakeholders like engineers or geologists. The most successful exhibitors are those who take ownership of their presence, who see the exhibition as a platform for opportunity – not just a day out of the office.” We encourage suppliers to supply feedback. We’ re accountable and we don’ t shy away from addressing concerns, that’ s how we’ ve remained relevant for three decades.
“ None of this would be possible without our dedicated team. The MTE family runs like a well-oiled machine. Add to that the collaboration between suppliers, visitors and organisers and you’ ve got the formula for continued success,” says Macnamara. •
www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2026 • 55