www . MTEexpos . co . za Exhibitor catalogue 9
Mooinooi / Rustenburg impact shows within traditional mining hotspots in South Africa – and they will be able to do so for the rest of the year , even if further restrictions hamper economic activities .
The nature of the MTE concept does not lend itself to massive crowds and what has been coined ‘ super spreader ’ events . Space is limited , and instead , the company focuses on getting the most accurate information about what products are needed by mines , and in turn informing their clients and suppliers about what those mining companies really require . It is a bespoke , personalised offering , and it speaks to the mining industry ’ s wants and needs . At the same time , Covid-19 restrictions is not a challenge for MTE . Being an outside event , it is easy to maintain social distance , and with constant monitoring and sanitisation stations everywhere , MTE follows all pandemic control protocols .
Wednesday 21 April was thus a big day for MTE , for the coal miners of Emalahleni , Middelburg and Ogies , and for suppliers and service providers . Last year was a slog for most , and it dragged on into 2021 . Although there has been a bit of respite in terms of Covid-19 restrictions in South Africa , the coal miners 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 on Wednesday , all the decision makers and managers attending the event , could be forgiven for just one day , for putting all their worries on ice and just 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 , a number of 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 evergrowing 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 most of all both visitors and exhibitors made the most of the four hours of interaction .
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 .