MINEXPO PREVIEW
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It may be a year later than originally planned , but MINExpo 2021 is shaping up to , once again , bowl attendees over with an array of new technology and innovation set to take the mining sector by storm . Dan Gleeson locates some of the highlights ahead of time
This year ’ s MINExpo could end up being more global than ever . The mining industry , through necessity , has become better ‘ connected ’. MS Teams and Zoom calls ; augmented and virtual reality headsets ; and high-speed communication networks have seen remote sites , facilities and suppliers interact with ever increasing sophistication and regularity .
Technology installations have been carried out remotely , product and equipment launches have been conducted online , metallurgical test work programs have been live streamed … the list of industry firsts achieved over the last 18 or so months during COVID-19 is extensive .
These interactions have not been the same as they would have been in person , but , as always , the industry has adapted .
The leaps taken over this pandemic-hit-period have been significant , with technology pipelines accelerated on the back of on-site restrictions , higher commodity prices ( now and predicted into the future ) and an enhanced focus on safety and sustainability .
Jeffrey Dawes , MINExpo 2021 Chair , said as much .
“ COVID really gave the mining industry a chance to reflect on its goals and take a deeper look at the tools now available to help it reach those goals ,” he told IM .
“ I think it also helped us gain a better understanding of the importance of aligning our business objectives – to extract the minerals needed by society – with society ’ s need for us to do that in the most sustainable , efficient and least intrusive ways possible .
“ I ’ m certain that the products and solutions presented by the exhibitors at MINExpo this year will centre on the innovations and technology available now and in the near-term future that will help mines meet both their own and society ’ s needs .”
The biggest mining show on earth has also evolved , with those exhibiting companies planning to showcase their booth offering and expertise to a global audience via many of the outlets they have used to connect with operators and head office when working from home or away .
This means the circa-1,100 exhibitors spread over more than 61,316 sq . m from September 13- 15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center will be more ‘ mobile ’ than ever , networking with
The circa-1,100 exhibitors will be spread over more than 61,316 sq . m at MINExpo 2021
customers and interested parties in person and online .
Dawes , also VP of Komatsu ’ s Global Mining Business Division and President and CEO of Milwaukee-based Komatsu Mining Corp , said exhibitors will also be able to upload product information , videos and other materials to the online directory , which will be available and open to anyone for a year after the show .
And the Opening Session from MINExpo 2021 will be live streamed , he confirmed .
What can attendees expect to see during the event ? Dawes said the big innovation themes this year will be around digitalisation , electrification and automation .
“ Full enterprise optimisation can only be achieved by connecting tasks , processes , systems , and people across the value chain ,” he said . “ Solutions that leverage digitalisation , electrification and automation are the key to that full enterprise optimisation . They also play a crucial role in creating sustainable systems that support society ’ s growing needs in the most environmentally responsible ways .”
Armed with this information , IM has gone out to the mining community to get a sneak peek of what attendees should expect to see .
Mineral processing and screening
From ore preparation to crushing , grinding and screening , to flotation and refining , the whole
International Mining | AUGUST 2021