Coming up in early September – and offering plenty to see for quarry operators – will be Australia’s largest-ever mining event, Asia-Pacific's International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) 2011, to be held at Sydney’s Olympic Park from September 6-9.
While the show is primarily aimed at the mining sector, there will be plenty to see relevant to the quarry industry through the large amount of equipment and services the two industries have in common, said Paul Baker, exhibition director with organiser Reed Mining Events.
“With quarrying essentially the mining of rock, sand and gravel, there is significant commonality between mining and quarrying activities,” said Baker.
“With this year’s exhibition having more than 550 exhibiting companies and covering more than 45,000 sq m, it is nearly 20% larger than the previous edition of AIMEX in 2007 – and there is sure to be something of interest to quarry operators,” he said.
“It will be unique gathering in a single location of mining products and services from around Australia and throughout the world – and will offer quarry managers some unique insights into industry developments.
“And of course, mining-related infrastructure and activities are driving much of Australia’s growth, including demand for quarried products,” said Baker.
“AIMEX is an internationally recognised platform for Australian and international suppliers of mining technology, equipment and services to conduct business face-to-face with a gathering of influential mining industry buyers and decision-makers unmatched by any other mining exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Baker said the four years since AIMEX 2007 has seen fundamental changes in the mining industry and the world economy – many of which will be reflected in the products and services on show.
“Since 2007, we have of course gone through the global financial crisis, which had a major impact across the board.
“Now, thanks to demand for our resources, Australia has largely escaped the worst of the GFC and is well placed to take advantage of the forthcoming boom in the mining industry, and unprecedented demand for our minerals and energy,” he said.
At the same time, mining industry trends are following global developments.
“For example, financial commentators identified the key issues for the industry three and four years ago as including financing, mining company consolidations and foreign investment,” said Baker.
“Today the focus is on skills shortages, health and safety and sustainability – particularly climate change and the proposed carbon tax.
“This is having a strong flow-on effect at our events in terms of what suppliers of products and services are showcasing, and what buyers are interested in,” he said.
Baker said AMEX’s four-year cycle also meant it was an ideal showcase for new products and services.
“Certainly any time one of our mining events is run, exhibitors display their latest product developments.
“However, because of the long cycle between AIMEX editions, visitors will always see new technology across a broad range of industry sectors, including automation, safety, training and educational tools, as well as environmental management solutions, systems and products.
“There will be a huge range and quality of technology showcased at AIMEX 2011, along with demonstrations of how new technology can be utilised to improve efficiencies and productivity while reducing operating costs,” he said.
“And much of this technology will flow through to the quarry sector in the coming years.”
As in previous years, AIMEX 2011 exhibitors will include both Australian and international suppliers.
“Our key catchphrase for the event is ‘taking Australian mining to the world and bringing the world to Australian mining’, so it’s very much an international event,” Baker said.
“We will have dedicated pavilions from countries such as Germany, USA, Canada, Italy and South Africa, among others.
“But at the same time, AIMEX is very much about demonstrating innovative Australian mining technology – for which we are known around the globe.
“There will be many Australian companies exhibiting their products, services or expertise at AIMEX – showcasing to a strong contingent of visitors that traditionally come from key markets around the world, including China, India, South Africa, Indonesia, New Zealand, Russia, the United States and Canada.”
Major suppliers who will be exhibiting at AIMEX 2011 include ABB, Atlas Copco, Blackwoods, Bradken, Caterpillar Mining, Cummins, Diversified Mining, Ellton Group, Esco, Hitachi, Hyundai, Industrea, Joy Mining Machinery/P&H Minepro, Letourneau, Ludowici, MTU, Nepean Group, Orica/Minova, , Scania, SEW Eurodrive, Toshiba, Valley Longwall International and Weir Minerals.
AIMEX is part of the REEDMININGEVENTS structured portfolio of premium mining industry exhibitions owned and operated by Reed Exhibitions Australia. This portfolio also includes:
• Asia Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX), Sydney, September 6-9, 2011, a flagship event held every four years
• Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition, Mackay, July 24-26, 2012
• Mining & Engineering NSW, Newcastle, September, 2012.
• Goldfields Mining Expo, Kalgoorlie, October 30-November 1, 2012
• Mining & Engineering Western Australia, Perth, July 2-4, 2013