Phalaborwa’s Copper mining operations have seen a steady growth pattern over the last two years. Global shortages of the metal have driven the prices up resulting in SA copper producer Palabora Mining Company’s (PMC) R10 billion expansion projects to cater for the growing demand.

Phalaborwa is in Limpopo near the confluence of the Ga-Selati and the Olifants rivers. It is also home to Palabora Copper, South Africa's sole producer of refined copper, which it supplies mainly to the local market and then exports the balance. Palabora Mining Company (PMC) is one of the operating mines in the area and has numerous operations including a concentrator, smelter, refinery, and vermiculite operations. The underground operation produces about 80 000 tons of copper a year.

Next week, the renowned Mining & Technical Exhibition (MTE) in Phalaborwa takes place. The event sees hundreds of key individuals from the area’s mining sector in attendance. The MTE events take place throughout the country and parts of Africa with one of the main aims being to nurture the mining and related industries by providing up-to-date information and to shed light on developments affecting the sector.

Operations Manager for MTE, Andrew Macnamara said that the past 24 months had been challenging for the country’s mining operations, but he was optimistic for the fast-approaching future. “Covid-19 has definitely had long-lasting effects on many industries across the globe. Despite these challenges, Africa’s tenacity and unity during these challenging times have proven strong and as we navigate through these uncertain times, I am certain that all industries will recover tenfold. Regarding the mining industry in particular, global demand has driven most prices up and mines across SA and Africa have also increased their safety procedures which further protects their workforce. At the upcoming MTE events, we will see, among other things, what improved safety protocols can be seen in Africa and SA mines and we will also provide the platform for visitors to interact with those in the mining industry who have overcome such challenges,” he said.

RS Components South Africa will also be present at the MTE Phalaborwa event and will be showcasing some of the latest safety equipment, tools, and other offerings from the world’s most respected brands. Mellisa Govender, Marketing Director for RS said that the MTE Phalaborwa event not only highlights the growing mining industry in the area, but it also helps to connect with customers more closely. “These MTE events provide an opportunity for us to share the latest industrial technologies and solutions that could help improve and maintain operations. The great thing is that at RS South Africa, we have over 650 000 products across 2500 global brands that can easily be ordered online and delivered direct to a customer anywhere in the country. At this year’s Phalaborwa event, we will be showcasing, amongst other solutions, our private label brand, RS Pro - which has expanded from hand tools and automation & control equipment to include electrical products now also, personal protection gear and test & measurement devices all of which are vital for any mining operation,” said Govender.

MTE Phalaborwa is free to attend and takes place on 31 March 2022 in Phalaborwa at the Laerskool Phalaborwa Noord (Rooi Skool), from 13:00 to 17:00.

There will be strict Covid-19 safety protocols in place and visitors will only be permitted into the venue with masks on.