Mining and industrial trade show Electra Mining Africa 2016 is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the South African mining industry, which is facing tough trading conditions.

Slower-than-expected economic growth, a prolonged downturn in commodity prices, an increase in short-term volatility, increased pressure on operating models and regulatory uncertainty are weighing down the local mining industry. These challenges, however, are not considered to be unique to South African mining companies.

“It is at times like these that trade exhibitions and face-to-face interaction with customers becomes even more important in order to ensure business survival,” says Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery MD Gary Corin.

“Local mining, industrial and power generation companies need to find solutions that are cost effective, reduce operational spend and focus on streamlining operations for maximum benefit. That’s why Electra Mining Africa [a bi-annual event organised by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery] will be so important this year. “Visitors will be able to source new products, equipment, machinery and the latest systems and services which will address these operational and business needs.”

Despite challenging mining industry conditions, Electra Mining Africa continues to be a well-supported event, with over 850 exhibitors expected to fill 38 000 m2 of net exhibition space.

Electra Mining Africa has enjoyed remarkable growth since its inception in 1972, when it attracted 50 exhibitors across 1 500 m² of exhibition space. To accommodate the growing demand from exhibitors, floor space now stretches across six halls, outside precinct areas and three large marquees.

The exhibitor mix has changed over the years to suit market-driven needs. Some companies have reduced exhibitor floor space, compared with previous years, but this has led to greater creativity in the use of space and has enabled many new exhibitors to be part of Electra Mining Africa.

The show also enjoys good international exhibitor participation, with international pavilions having been confirmed for China and Turkey.

On average, Electra Mining Africa retains about 75% to 80% of its exhibitors, with some having been with the show since its inception in 1972, says Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery portfolio director Charlene Hefer. The high return of exhibitors is attributed to the fact that the show regularly produces off-the-floor sales, value sales leads and good business connections.

Electra Mining Africa provides visitors with the opportunity to view a selection of new innovations, technology, products and services in the mining, industrial, electrical, power and machine tools industries.

“With a collective value of millions of rand in products and equipment on display, live demonstrations and technical experts available at stands, there is no doubt that Electra Mining Africa will provide our local and international visitors with a valuable experience. “It’s also an ideal place to network with peers and industry professionals and interact with specialists and technicians,” says Hefer.

According to audited figures from the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI, Electra Mining Africa attracted over 34 000 visitors at each of the past five shows, including two record years of 41 000 and 38 000 visitors.

International visitors have been a consistent part of the visitor mix over the years. This year, Electra Mining Africa will introduce a dedicated African Premier Visitor Campaign with the aim of attracting a higher number of visitors from African countries to the show. This will include discounts on some of the conferences for delegates from Africa, among other benefits.

The show will also be supported by content-rich conferences, which provides a platform for industry leaders to discuss current issues and challenges, and free-to-attend seminars, where top industry experts will deliver presentations.

Another ‘first’ will be the launch of a new PowerEx show, which will co-locate with Electra Mining Africa and will take place in Hall 9. The electric power and energy showcase will focus on power generation, transmission and distribution and renewable-energy products and solutions.

Hall 7 will showcase another colocated event, Elenex Africa, which incorporates power generation, electrical engineering and lighting sector participants.

Electra Mining Africa has the support and endorsement of many industry organisations, including the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the South African Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Women in Mining South Africa, the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa, the South African Fluid Power Association, the Engineering Council of South Africa and the South Africa Capital Equipment Export Council.