A dedicated mining indus- try trade expo and con- ference in the heart of the Zambian mining region has been announced with the 2014 launch of the Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo & Conference (CBM-TEC).

The conference, which will run from April 28 to 29, 2014, will be run by organisers of Electra Mining Africa, Specialised Exhibitions and the organiser of the specialist iPAD Series of Mining, Energy & Infrastructure Conferences, Spintelligent.

The conference aims to deliver on industry requirements through the Copperbelt’s first profes- sional-attendance-only event. It promises to be a showcase of technology, equipment and services, coupled with unique workshop-led content designed to provide knowledge and training for mining operation teams.

Ranging from mining solutions to the latest energy management requirements, CBM-TEC is a must-attend for any industry player with a professional interest in doing business in the Copperbelt region.
“The industry wants this event. The investment- and policy- driven phase of this emerging market is well populated; the industry mentioned to us they want technical solutions and an event in close proximity to where the industry is based,” says Spintelligent event director David Ashdown.

He notes that the company’s biggest challenge is to find accommodation for an event of this nature and scale, and it requires the team to think outside the box to offer some creative solutions.

“We are hosting this outdoor event in Kitwe on the Copperbelt and we will create our own unique environment on a 200 000 m2 site, bringing in full technical services, engaging local busi- nesses and supporting the local community,” Ashdown says.

He adds that the joint venture plays to the strengths of both organisers.
“Electra Mining is the second-largest technical mining exhibition in the world. “Our exhibitor base is looking for export opportunities outside South Africa and the Copperbelt is regarded as a key region in Central and Southern Africa.”

“The response to the launch has been extremely positive and we are expecting a sold-out launch edition for the expos,” says Specialised Exhibitions MD Gary Corin.
“The CBM-TEC will change the face of mining exhibitions in Zambia. “The time is now for a technical-led trade expo platform and we are thrilled to be doing this in partnership with Electra Mining,” concludes Ashdown.