This year is the first time Caminex and the Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo (CBM-TEC) will be held as a combined event from June 6 to 8 at the Kitwe showgrounds, in Zambia, to create a more valuable trade expo by combining the shows’ resources and strengths. From 2018, the exhibition will be known only as Caminex.

The merger, says co-organiser Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery portfolio director Charlene Hefer, has created a major force in the business-to-business trade market in Zambia, which has had a recent spike in international interest regarding its copper mining potential. This has made the annual CBM-TEC 2017 an unmissable event for mining investors and companies.

The increase in mining interest is expected to attract foreign investors and result in expansions and new mining projects, Mining Weekly is told by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery and CBM-TEC 2017 co-organiser the Zambian Copperbelt Mining, Agricultural and Commercial Show Society (CACSS) – a nonprofit, nongovernmental organisation in Zambia that hosts the annual Copperbelt Mining, Agricultural and Commercial Show.

As this is the first year that the three-day show has been dually organised, the number of visitors it will attract remains unknown. Hefer explains that to improve on the value and quality of the exhibition and streamline visitor attendance, the CACSS board has changed the format of the show’s delivery.

The board has separated the business exhibition and entertainment, which will now be held at a different time of the year, on May 26, 27 and 28. “The change will ensure that the exhibitors receive maximum value for their participation, and the visitors and service providers derive maximum bene- fits from the high quality of the exhibition.”

Hefer confirms that exhibitors are posi- tive about the event being combined and are still booking stands. “. . . the CACSS and Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery are recognised for their knowledge and expertise”, she says, adding that the reach of influencers, investors and decision-makers in the agriculture, mining and industrial sectors will be greater than in previous years, owing to the different sectors being present and sharing knowledge at the event. An additional benefit this year, notes Hefer, is the endorsement by government and industry.

Challenges involving the merging of the two shows put pressure on both organisations to have logistics in place for the exhibition in June. However, Hefer stated that hard work from both parties have ensured a well-organised event and that “all is on track for June”.

Hefer says CBM-TEC is Zambia’s premier networking event for international and regional companies that operate in the country’s mineral-rich Copperbelt and surrounding regions.

“The show further highlights our commitment to developing trade in the Copperbelt region and ensures the best experience possible for . . . exhibitors and visitors.”

Visitors will benefit from the extensive pool of knowledge, from technical experts at exhibitor stands to speakers at the free-to-attend seminars, focused on not only mining but also agriculture and other industries such as energy.

“Mining is still a significant contributor to the Zambian economy, but diversification is important to [its] economic growth. Agricul- ture has a pivotal role to play.” The expo seeks to provide a platform where various sectors can be represented and deliver a significant return on investment for buyers and sellers in the mining market. It also creates a trading platform, allowing for the sharing of information, contacts and products.

Schedule and Speakers
On June 6, the focus will be on mining. The first seminar speaker is Zambian Mines and Mineral Development Minister Christopher Yaluma, who will include forecasts for Zambia’s minerals market from 2017 to 2020, a look at mineral development as a vehicle of economic diversification and key challenges facing the future development of the country’s minerals industry.

He will also assess the impact of infrastructure constraints on mining development, the increasing importance of building relationships between the mining industry and operators in the private sector, as well as provide an update on the minerals roadmap and new strategies to be implemented in the future.

Zambia Chamber of Mines president Nathan Chishimba will also explain policy options for local content and procurement on the day.

Other speakers will include global technology, mining and construction services supplier Metso Central Africa GM Kirby Vermaak, who will discuss innovation and technological advances in mining, while legal firm Mulenga Mundashi Kasonde partner Michael Mundashi will provide updates on the mining regulatory environment and how to drive sustainable mining.

The morning of June 7 will be dedicated to the agriculture sector. Speakers include financial services provider Standard Bank agribusiness head Leon Kotze, who will focus on raising financing for agricultural farm management. Chemicals company BASF Zambia technical manager for Southern Africa Brian Malambo will explain the role of technology in agriculture and how it is revolutionising modern farming. Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute outreach director Ballard Zulu will elaborate on how technology increases production and productivity in agricultural practices. Zamibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dora Siliya, will also deliver a keynote presentation outlining how agriculture and manufacturing are key enablers to developing a sustainable agro-industry.

In the afternoon, the focus will shift to energy, with speakers comprising energy sector regulator Energy Regulation Board executive director Langiwe Lunga and Copperbelt Energy Corporation CEO Owen Silavwe, who will focus on Zambia’s growing demand for power and what options are available to meet this demand. Lastly, Zambia Renewable Energy Agency president Emanuel Chibesakunda will assess strategic renewable-energy choices and priorities for mines.

June 8 has been allocated to transport and infrastructure, with Zambian Airport Corporation MD Robinson Misitala and Zambia Railways CEO Christopher Musonda starting proceedings. Further, banking and finance discussions will include Bank of Zambia deputy governor for operations Dr Bwalya Ng’andu and Zambian Revenue Authority commissioner general Kingsley Chanda, who will also address delegates.

These free-to-attend informative semi- nars form part of an extensive showcase of products, machinery, equipment and consumables, the latest innovations, technologies, services and solutions, with daily live demonstrations. “We are excited about this event and have great expectations as to what it will achieve this year and regarding its future growth prospects,” adds Hefer.