Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
MORE than 250 direct exhibitors have registered for the Mining, Engineering, Transport Expo (Mine Entra) 2024, with 19 international exhibitors representing four foreign nations signing up.
The prestigious three-day specialised event postponed from its usual July slot is scheduled for between 9 and 11 October at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo and will run under the theme: “Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialisation Nexus.”
The exhibition seeks to unveil new opportunities, strengthen value chains, drive innovation and promote industrialisation in the mining sector and related industries.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, said uptake of exhibition space has already surpassed last year’s 26th edition.
“Uptake of exhibition space has already surpassed the previous edition, with 8 406 square metres of exhibition space taken up by 254 direct exhibitors, representing a notable increase from the 6 544 square metres occupied by 204 exhibitors at the final tally for Mine Entra 2023,” he said.
“Mine Entra 2024 is also set to have a stronger international presence. To date 19 international exhibitors have signed up, representing four foreign nations – China, the DRC, India and South Africa. This is an increase from the 12 international exhibitors from three countries in the previous edition.”
He said the registration process was still open and aspiring exhibitors, delegates and visitors were encouraged to do so as the registration process can be initiated on the ZITF Company website.
Dr Ndebele also announced that the Mine Entra Buyers’ Programme was now live, offering participants an opportunity to maximise their time at this year’s prime specialised exhibition.
“The previously advertised, digital-based Mine Entra Buyers’ Programmeis now live, offering participants an opportunity to maximise their time at Mine Entra by ensuring that they meet with a carefully curated selection of suppliers and service providers, offering innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs,” he said.
“The programme will enable attendees to pre-select, connect and book meetings with potential partners, clients, and industry peers. Beyond scheduled meetings, the programme also fosters informal networking opportunities among participants, allowing for additional connections and collaborations.”
He said the targeted approach allows participants to maximise their participation in Mine Entra 2024, increasing onsite deal flow, fostering relationships and exploring collaboration opportunities with key players in the global mining community.
Dr Ndebele said this will also allow for streamlining of procurement processes by ensuring efficient and cost-effective purchase decisions.
He said: “The Buyers Programme will run for two days, starting with the Buyers’ Speed Networking Sessions on 9 October from 2pm to 5pm, and will conclude on 10 October when the Buyers One-on-One Meetings will take place from 8am to 5pm.”
Dr Ndebele said the programme carefully selects buyers from various mining companies and organisations to ensure a high-quality pool of potential customers.
He said buyers may be anyone with procuring authority or significant influence over procuring decisions, while these can include but are not limited to procurement and SHEQ executives, mine managers, engineers and captains, and other heads of end-user departments.
“Our teams are currently visiting major mines across the country to identify and onboard targeted buyers, who include procurement executives, mine managers, engineers, and captains.
“This week, we are in the Midlands Province and the coming week we will be in Matabeleland North and South provinces which Mashonaland West and East provinces will follow,” he said.
Dr Ndebele said the feedback from the mines has been positive as most commend the timeliness of the initiative. Currently, he said the mining industry is under immense pressure to meet production demands while navigating a complex landscape of rising costs, talent shortages and the urgency to meet sustainability commitments.
“With productivity as one of the top priorities on every major mining organisation’s agenda, minimising downtime and improving the operational health of crucial mining assets is crucial.
“Some of the priority needs that the mining buyers will be on the lookout for at this year’s Mine Entra include industrial-grade renewable power solutions, green fuels, mining automation, high-capacity machinery with low fuel consumption, as well as recycling solutions and dewatering technologies,” he said.
Online Reporter