The North West Province is known as the country’s ‘Platinum Province’ due to its mineral riches of platinum, chrome, and platinum group metals. It is also home to a strong dimension stone sector, due to the riches of its slate, marble, and granite deposits.

The economy of North West is driven by mining, which generates more than 50% of the province's gross domestic product and provides employment for a quarter of its workforce. Gold is mined at Orkney and Klerksdorp; Platinum at Rustenburg and Brits; Uranium at Klerksdorp; and Diamonds at Lichtenburg, Christiana and Bloemhof. North West mining ventures make up 20% of South Africa’s mining industry, while more than 90% of the country's platinum comes from the province’s mines.

In April, the renowned Mining & Technical Exhibition (MTE) in North West takes place covering two locations- Mooinooi and Rustenburg. 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 North West events 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 North West events not only highlights the booming 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 we, at RS South Africa, have over 650 000 products across 2500 global brands that can easily be ordered online and delivered direct to a customer-even in remote areas while adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols. At this year’s North West events, we will be showcasing, among others, our signature label brand, RS Pro- which has expanded from hand tools and automation & control equipment to include electrical products, personal protection gear and test & measurement devices-many of which are vital for any mining operation,” said Govender.

MTE North West events are free to attend and takes place from 1pm to 5pm.

MTE Mooinooi takes place at the Mooinooi Golf Club, Wilkinson Avenue on April, 5, 2022.

MTE Rustenburg takes place at the Rustenburg Impala Rugby Club, Fatima Bhayat St on April, 7, 2022.

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