UPBEAT REPORTS Many attendees of the Kathu Mining and Technical Expo reported that they remain positive about the industry’s outlook
Industry expos remain an important platform for forging business connections, showcasing technology and discussing solutions to the challenges currently facing companies in the iron-ore sector, says exhibition organiser Mining & Technical Exhibitions (MTE) operations manager Andrew Macnamara.
MTE’s Kathu Mining and Technical Expo was held on June 9 at the Kathu Equestrian Club and brought together about 230 visitors. Macnamara acknowledges that this may not seem like an impressive turnout, however, points out that the visitors that did attend are decision-makers in the industry.
“MTE prides itself on bringing high-quality companies to its expos and the Kathu expo was an excellent example of that. Although the attendance was quite low, those that were present are the companies that suppliers want to connect with.”
Moreover, he highlights that many of the South Africans that attended the Kathu expo this year remain positive about the outlook for the iron-ore sector, despite tough operating conditions.
China’s reduced demand for steel and the surplus reserve being built up in iron-ore-producing countries like South Africa, with no one to sell it to, are creating an unfavourable supply and demand balance, Macnamara notes.
“That being said, feedback from exhibitors at the Kathu show was quite positive. “The general consensus from suppliers is that, although the industry is not doing well at the moment, things can only get better. Many suppliers seem positive that there will be an upswing in the market soon.”
Macnamara notes that this year’s Kathu Mining and Technical Expo saw a strong focus on lubrication and cleaning technology for the mining industry, highlighting that there were several demonstrations of equipment and solutions, which added significant value for visitors.
“The value of an MTE expo is in its ability to bring buyers and suppliers together. Our expos are high impact. “We provide an opportunity for key players in various sectors of the mining industry to meet face-to-face, display new technology and discuss the state of the industry, with a view to finding solutions for moving the sector forward in the best possible way,” he avers.
Kathu is situated in the Northern Cape and hosts one of the five largest opencast iron-ore mining operations in the world. Diversified multinational miner Anglo American subsidiary Kumba Iron Ore is the principal mine operator in the area. Other mines in the area include Kumba Iron Ore’s Kolomela mine and diversified miner Assmang’s Beeshoek and Khumani mines.