Every Four Years the Largest Mining-Specific Show in the World Hits Las Vegas. What is in Store for Attendees?
By Mark S. Kuhar
MINExpo International 2016 is a world of innovation in one place. It is the largest show of its kind in the world and draws an international audience. MINExpo 2016 will take place Sept. 26-28, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and will feature more than 800,000 sq. ft. (74,000 sq. meters) of exhibit space, including 12 indoor and outdoor halls and more than 1,800 companies.
The event is sponsored by the National Mining Association (NMA).
MINExpo is a true global event with pavilions from Australia, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany and Sweden. The event is also part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program and 20 delegations are currently being formed through this program.
MINExpo is all about engaging with experts on the show floor (see the exhibitor list on page 20) and attending educational sessions to help you solve the challenges you face daily and the ones you see on the horizon. Rock Products’ parent company Mining Media International will have an expanded presence at the show with three booths: 1669, 27433 and 4521.
Aggregates producers can seek ways to increase productivity, control costs, keep operations competitive, improve safety and manage risk with all the new equipment, services, products and technology on the show floor at MINExpo.
Mine operators, industry suppliers and regulators are placing strong emphasis on communications and tracking, as well as proximity detection, particularly in underground mines. These will be among the many safety products, systems and training programs available at the show.
Effective wireless communications and tracking systems may mean the difference between life and death during an emergency in mining. Among the new technologies planned to be introduced at MINExpo is a wireless, battery-powered handheld device, which can be carried by miners anywhere in a mine, that will not only reveal an individual’s location, but also monitor harmful gases he or she may be breathing in that spot.
One manufacturer, who will be at the show, suggested proximity detection systems may the hottest topic in underground mining as operators and equipment manufacturers diligently work on improvements to proximity detection systems for mobile equipment, such as continuous mining machines, haulage vehicles, as well as other light or heavy vehicles. These systems use electronic sensors on both mining machines and miners to detect motion or the location of one object relative to another to protect miner safety and avoid collisions with mining equipment.
Proximity systems now can send data to the surface in real time, allowing for shift-over-shift analysis that may increase human operator efficiency. A surface hardrock mine collision avoidance system utilizing GPS and ultra-wide band radio technology is also under development by a manufacturer attending MINExpo.
Safety First
The show will also “provide attendees the opportunity to view technologies that will help them as they refine their management of safety,” said Bruce Watzman, NMA senior vice president of regulatory affairs.
Considered an exemplary health and safety management system, NMA’s CORESafety program assists mining operators in changing their philosophy of managing health and safety, and how to enhance the health and safety culture through their organization.
Within the CORESafety modules are personal protective equipment, injury reduction, monitoring and control of dust and toxic substances, communications and tracking, and ground control – utilizing new and emerging technologies developed by mining, university, and supplier research and development. Attendees can learn more about CORESafety by visiting the NMA booth at the show.
Education
Join global mining industry leaders in an Opening Session as they come together to debate the issues of the day, provide perspectives on industry challenges and share visions and insights for the future.
And 20 education sessions will tackle the most timely and pressing issues affecting the mining industry, with many of the industry’s top professionals leading the discussions. The information shared at these sessions – scheduled for the mornings of Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Wednesday, Sept. 28 – will help you get ahead of the changes and developments affecting the mining industry in the United States and around the world. Plus, your attendance will earn professional development credits.
Two educational opportunities are being offered by the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH). In addition to exhibiting, NIOSH will be conducting two workshops during the show. The Tuesday, Sept. 27 workshop will focus on “Software Applications for Improving Mine Worker Health and Safety Outcomes.” The Wednesday, Sept. 28 workshop covers “Mine Worker Health and Safety Challenges: Practical Solutions.” Both workshops will be from 1-5 p.m. in Room N227 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Johnson to Chair Show
NMA announced that Caterpillar Inc. group president Denise Johnson will chair the event. Johnson, who oversees the resource industries group for the Peoria, Ill.-based company, will lead the 2016 show.
“I’m honored and excited to chair such an expansive showcase of mining equipment, technology and expertise from around the world,” said Johnson. “MINExpo 2016 is showcasing real technologies, advancements, innovations and solutions that will impact the bottom line of mining companies today – and into the future.”
Johnson joined Caterpillar in 2011 and initially served as the general manager of Specialty Products within Caterpillar’s Reman & Components division, where she had global responsibility for wear component products and facilities. She previously had a career with General Motors, where she built deep expertise in operations and product management. In 2012, the Caterpillar board of directors named Johnson vice president with responsibility for the diversified products division. Before being named a group president, Johnson also served as vice president with responsibility for integrated manufacturing operations and material handling & underground division.
“As the sponsor of MINExpo, NMA is excited to bring together the equipment, parts and service providers who are committed to working with mining companies throughout the world to improve safety, lower costs and maximize productivity,” said NMA President and CEO Hal Quinn. “Caterpillar exemplifies that commitment, which is demonstrated in part through its ongoing support of NMA and MINExpo. That said, we are thrilled to have Denise Johnson as our MINExpo 2016 chair.”
Awards
During MINExpo, two very important mining industry awards luncheons will be held to recognize mining industry achievements in safety, reclamation and sustainable development.
The Sentinels of Safety and NIOSH Awards luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. in room S223 (South Building) of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The luncheon is sponsored by Hecla Mining Co. Remarks will be given by Phillips S. Baker Jr., president and CEO, Hecla Mining Co.
This event will honor the 2015 recipients of the coveted Sentinels of Safety Awards, presented each year to mining operations throughout the country that have demonstrated exemplary safety records. In addition, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will recognize mines and companies who have made an extraordinary effort to apply technologies in ways that will improve mine works safety by handing out the Technology Innovations in Mine Safety and Health awards.
On Wednesday, Sept. 28, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold their annual awards luncheon from 12:30 – 2p.m. in room S223 (South Building) of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The event will honor the 2016 OSMRE Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awards and the 2016 BLM Reclamation and Sustainable Mineral Development Awards. Awards are presented to mines making outstanding contributions to the environment, mine reclamation and community outreach.
VIew the Schedule-At-A-Glance.