African Mining June 2021 | Page 29

OPERATIONS • were still struggling to get their tonnes on rolling stock and into Richards Bay for export .

However , with the early autumn highveld sun pounding down on the orange and yellow MTE tents , all the decision makers and managers attending the event could be forgiven for putting their worries on ice and enjoying a typical South African event – as it used to be in the days before Covid-19 . With the smell of ‘ boeries ’ on the braai and the crack of one or two other essentials in the background , several general managers and mine managers could decide on how new technology can make their operation more efficient , or how they could deploy drones , for example , to manage their ever-growing stockpiles .

Laboratory suppliers and mechanical engineering suppliers are essential in the colliery-rich region of Mpumalanga and these exhibitors had a once-in a lifetime opportunity to meet face-to-face with engineering managers and coal managers from Eskom – all made possible by Andrew Macnamara and his MTE team .

The Covid-19 freeze has resulted in a bubbling enthusiasm for business to meet face-to-face , and the visitor numbers at MTE ’ s first show of the year are proof of this . Although there was a limit on boots through the gate due to the pandemic , the Witbank mining fraternity came through in larger numbers than in 2019 . They were in a jovial mood , and both visitors and exhibitors made the most of the four hours of interaction .

MTE Exhibitions is a unique concept with great opportunity for suppliers to meet mine management . This photo was taken at the Rustenburg show in 2018 .

The South African business community is starved of these types of events . MTE has always been able to connect suppliers and the mining sector , but with mega exhibitions being cancelled due to Covid-19 , MTE has become an essential part of any marketing campaign .

Link to image gallery : https :// mteexpos . co . za / mte-emalahleni-witbank-2021-gallery /

African Mining was the only official media partner at the recent MTE Exhibitions ’ show in Emalahleni ( Witbank ).