Industry embraces AIMEX relocation
Copper is becoming an increasingly critical component of Australia’s mining landscape as demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy booms.
According to Geoscience Australia, South Australia contains 69 per cent of Australia’s economic demonstrated resources of copper and produced 29 of the country’s mined copper in 2020.
Responding to this growing importance, conveyor solution supplier Flexco has been expanding its operations in South Australia.
When the news broke that the Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) would be held in Adelaide in 2025, Flexco saw it as a strategic opportunity.
“We certainly see the value in AIMEX’s relocation to South Australia, where we’re doing more business. It’s a strategic investment that aligns with our growth trajectory in the short and long term,” Flexco national sales manager Joshua Abberton said.
With many of the nation’s major mining operations located in the region and neighbouring Western Australia, Flexco sees this move as an opportunity to connect with key decision-makers.
“We’re confident that we’ll be able to speak with influential figures from these operations – people who directly impact procurement and strategic direction. That’s a major reason we’re exhibiting at AIMEX 2025. It just makes sense given market trends, particularly with the ongoing copper expansion in South Australia,” Abberton said.
Showcasing innovation
AIMEX 2025 presents an exciting opportunity for Flexco to showcase its full product portfolio over a concentrated period.
The company plans to focus on solutions tailored to the industries present in South Australia, with a strong emphasis on metals and mining.
“It’s not often you get the chance to present your entire range in just a few days. We’re making sure our product experts are there to answer a wide range of questions,” Abberton said.
“AIMEX 2025 is key for us to understand where the industry is headed and to ensure our product portfolio and strategic direction align with that future. Our vision is to be the most valued partner in conveyor products, and this exhibition is a crucial step in reinforcing that.”
Cutting-edge conveyor solutions
While Flexco is known for its belt cleaners, the company is keen to highlight its broader range of conveyor solutions. One standout product that will be on display is its steel cord belt fastener, the only product of its kind available on the market.
“This product has only been available for about 12 months, so many in the industry are still unaware of its capabilities. AIMEX provides the perfect stage to showcase its benefits,” Abberton said.
Flexco will also unveil its next-generation belt cleaner cushions and other belt cleaner products.
“We’re also developing digital solutions that allow for predictive maintenance, helping end users detect potential belt conveyor issues before they impact production,” Abberton said.
Training and sustainability
Flexco recognises the growing skills gap in the mining sector and is investing in two key areas to address this challenge: product development and training.
“We’re dedicating more resources to upskilling and training the market to ensure our products perform as expected. Our goal is to equip end users with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve their objectives,” Abberton said.
Sustainability is core focus for Flexco, with digital solutions playing a pivotal role in improving operational efficiency. On the manufacturing front, Flexco is actively working on minimising waste and improving recycling efforts.
“Our digital tools aim to extend the life cycle of conveyor components, ensuring parts are replaced only when necessary,” Abberton said.
“Ideally, we want to give operations more predictability in wear life, so they aren’t replacing components prematurely.
“This approach helps build smarter maintenance strategies, reduces waste, and contributes to broader sustainability goals.”
Prioritising safety
Flexco remains focused on safety, maintenance, and return on investment for its customers.
“We want to ensure the end user gets the results they need – not just sell them a product and move on. Our approach is about building long-term partnerships where we help operations solve real belt conveyor systems problems,” Abberton said.
“If a challenge arises, we’re committed to working on it until we find the right solution – whether through an existing product or by leveraging our global engineering capabilities to develop something new.”
This philosophy has driven Flexco’s success for over 115 years, and will continue to be the foundation of its approach in the future.
“The product itself is just one part of what we offer. Our true value lies in the complete package – our solutions, expertise, and support,” Abberton said.
With AIMEX 2025 just six months away, excitement is building for what promises to be a highly impactful event.
“Flexco is looking forward to showcasing our products and broader capabilities at AIMEX 2025,” Abberton said.
“We believe the event’s relocation aligns with the industry’s growth trajectory and the future of mining in Australia.”
This article first appeared on Australia Bulk Handling Review.
