Success of First North America Mining Expo Sets Stage for 2015 Expo

Towering mining equipment, heavy trucks and earth moving equipment dominated the grounds of the Hanmer Centennial Arena grounds in Greater Sudbury for two days in September, 2014.

Over 300 Exhibitors and displays were set up in the Arena, on the grounds including a large pavilion.

The first North America Mining Expo exceeded all expectations and for two days in Sudbury the event brought together representatives from mining companies, suppliers and service sector, education and technology development organizations.

Sudbury has a century of history as a mining centre and over a dozen mines operating within city limits. Over the past decade, the Northern Ontario city has been subtly shifting its focus from being a producer of metals to a creator of mining know-how and technology. Vale and Glencore Xstrata —serve as anchors for the cluster and collectively has contributed almost $4 billion to the local economy and employed 13,800 people.

Mayor Marianne Matichuk who participated in the opening ceremony called Sudbury the Silicon Valley of the mining industry. Over 300 companies displayed their expertise, knowledge and innovations that contribute to the Sudbury mining cluster being one of the largest in the world.

According to Dick DeStefano of the Sudbury Area Mining Supplies and Service Association (SAMSSA) the integrated mining complex is one of the largest in the world and it is the synergy produced by mining companies, suppliers, educators, research and development that propels Sudbury to be one of the world’s great mining centre.

International Flavour

Sudbury’s reputation as an international mining centre attracted visitors from Russia’s largest nickel company Norilsk Nickel to the North America Mining Expo as guests of Roger Coggins, General Manager of Tracks and Wheels, a company which specializes in transportation vehicles used in mining and other rough terrain usage.

“We proudly sponsored our visitors’ visit to the North America Mining Expo,” stated Coggins. “They were impressed by the product line they saw at the Expo.

Coggins said the Russian delegation was attracted by the customization of service provided by his company Tracks and Wheels. They were interested in our Torquematic Generator III, underground grader and forklifts.

Tracks and Wheels has been dealing with representatives from Norilsk for the past two and half years. “Our reputation for service and customer satisfaction carries us,” Coggins said.

An international flavour was added by the participation of companies from as far away as South Africa. Halo Lighting a specialist in mining lighting demonstrated its innovative LED lighting systems that light up underground mines and cut lighting costs by up to 80 per cent. Better lighting also promotes improved health and safety by illuminating and alerting employees to nearby hazards.

“We have taken the four main considerations that a mine needs – safety, energy savings, maintenance and insulation and incorporated them into the design,” said Denise Knight, Halo General Manager.  

In future as the North America Mining Expo grows more companies from other parts of the world will participate in recognition of Sudbury being one of the worlds largest mining centre.