June proved to be another successful month for Mining and Technical Exhibitions (MTE), with three well-supported exhibitions held across KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. From the paper and pulp industry at Saiccor to Richards Bay’s growing industrial hub and the mining operations of Phalaborwa, exhibitors experienced high-quality engagement with decision-makers, engineers and procurement teams.
The exhibition experienced a rush of visitors from the moment doors opened at noon.
Images by © Mining and Technical Exhibitions
Across the three expos, a total of 52 exhibitors participated at Saiccor, and 72 exhibitors showcased their solutions at Richards Bay. At the same time, Phalaborwa once again attracted strong support from the region’s leading mining operations.
Saiccor expo sets the tone
Held on 2 June 2026, the Saiccor Expo once again showcased why it remains one of MTE’s flagship industrial events. The exhibition experienced a rush of visitors from the moment doors opened at noon, with attendees queuing to register before quickly making their way through the exhibition floor. The quality of visitors stood out, with engineers, management teams, procurement professionals and maintenance personnel engaging directly with exhibitors. Senior leadership also showed strong support, including the general manager, who visited every exhibition stand.
The event concluded with 422 visitors, while exhibitors reported excellent networking opportunities and promising business leads. As MTE’s first paper and pulp-focused exhibition of the year, the event once again highlighted the value of bringing suppliers directly to industry decision-makers.
The MTE team ensuring smooth operation at the Saiccor Sappi show.
Richards Bay breaks previous records
The 4 June 2026 Richards Bay Expo was one of the most successful exhibitions the region has seen. With 72 exhibitors and 363 visitors, the show became the biggest that MTE has ever hosted in the region compared to previous years and attracted high-quality visitors. Exhibitors welcomed increased participation from operations personnel alongside engineers, management teams and procurement specialists.
One of the highlights was the large number of first-time exhibitors introducing new technologies and innovative solutions to the market. Richards Bay’s growing investment pipeline also added excitement to the exhibition. Visitors connected around several major regional developments, including the R8.5-billion Zulti South project by the Richards Bay Minerals, which will extend mining activities in the area until 2050. Excitement also centred around the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), which plays host to the planned R1.8-billion Wilmar palm oil refinery alongside upcoming LNG terminal developments at the port. Project managers and key stakeholders from these operations attended the event, opening lucrative networking pipelines for local industrial suppliers.
Phalaborwa
The 18 June 2026 Phalaborwa Expo rounded off the month on a high note. Cooler winter weather created ideal conditions for productive conversations, allowing exhibitors and visitors more time to discuss operational challenges and solutions. Managers and engineering personnel from the area’s two major mining operations attended the exhibition, giving suppliers direct access to key decision-makers responsible for future procurement and operational improvements.