AIMEX 2011, which will be the largest mining exhibition ever held in Australia, is the most important trade event for the region’s mining community.
“This year’s exhibition will have more than 550 exhibiting companies, covering more than 45,000 sqm, making it nearly 20% larger than the previous edition of AIMEX in 2007,” said Paul Baker, exhibition director with organiser Reed Mining Events.
“It will be unique gathering in a single location of mining products and services from around Australia and throughout the world – and will offer manufacturers, machine shops, fabricators and other local service providers some unique insights into mining industry opportunities.
“We are strongly encouraging manufacturing sector companies looking to take advantage of this once-in-a-generation mining boom to come along to AIMEX in September, talk to suppliers of products and services, meet with mining industry end-users and take advantage of the many networking opportunities that an event like this offers,” said Baker.
“With the mining industry suffering capacity constraints, and manufacturers concerned about their sector’s long-term future with a high Australian dollar, AIMEX 2011 is a perfect opportunity for local manufacturers and miners to get together and explore options and opportunities.
“As one of the world’s mining hotspots, Australia is a world leader in mining innovation, technology, equipment and solutions – so what happens here matters,” he said.
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.
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, from automation and longwall mining equipment, to mine safety and underground mining machinery, to training and educational tools, to 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 mine operating costs,” he said.
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, Bucyrus, Cummins, Diversified Mining, Ellton Group, Esco, Hitachi, Hyundai, Industrea, Joy Mining Machinery, Letourneau, Ludowici, MTU, Nepean Group, Orica/Minova, P&H, Scania, SEW Eurodrive, Toshiba, Valley Longwall International and Weir Minerals.