August 2023 saw the full mix of MTE capabilities in a selection of vastly different expos across industries, commodities and regions – starting with the mine-focused combo expos showcasing tech specifically geared towards gold mining in Gauteng at Mponeng and Kusasalethu followed by a pulp and paper targeted tradeshow in Mpumalanga and ending up in Steelpoort where PGM’s, chrome and vanadium innovation were the order of the day.
MTE took 39 suppliers – selected for their offerings that are particularly required for gold mining – to 136 decision makers from Mponeng. Image credit: ©MTE
All that glitters is gold in Gauteng
MTE’s first stop was Mponeng on 1 August 2023 at West Wits Cricket Club. Mponeng is the world’s deepest level shaft with a depth of around 4km, with descent from the surface to the bottom taking over an hour. The mine, which started production in 1986, is near the town of Carletonville, some 90km south-west of Johannesburg. The operation exploits the Ventersdorp Contact Reef – its primary orebody – employing mostly breast-mining methods. Ore mined is processed at the Mponeng gold plant using conventional gold leaching methods carbon-in-pulp gold recovery technology.
This was a great example of a successful intimate, but high-impact combo tour in MTE’s portfolio. Andrew Macnamara, operations director of the company, notes that 39 suppliers – selected for their offerings that are particularly required for gold mining were able to have in-depth conversation with 136 visitors including the plant engineer, the foreman at the mine, a whole host of engineers, mining managers, planners and project leaders.
The Kusasalethu gold mining expo in turn took place two days later on 3 August 2023 between 13:00 – 17:00 at the mine itself. Kusasalethu is a mature, deep-level mine, 90km west of Johannesburg, near the Gauteng North-West provincial border.
The mine infrastructure is comprised of twin vertical and twin sub-vertical shaft systems. Conventional mining methods are used in a sequential grid layout with mining depths reaching 3 388m below surface where the Ventersdorp Contact Reef is also the primary orebody exploited. Ore mined here is treated at the Mponeng plant.
At this second intimate expo, 26 suppliers were able to present their solutions to 185 decision makers comprised of the operation’s EXCO members, engineers, foremen, mine overseers, C & I technicians, surveyors and geologists.
This intimate expo positioned 26 suppliers well to present their solutions to 185 decision makers comprising of Kusasalethu Mine’s EXCO members, engineers, mine overseers, C & I technicians, surveyors and geologists. Image credit: ©MTE
Paper and pulp on the up
The MTE Ngodwana 2023 Expo took place at the Sappi Ngodwana Training Centre on 24 August from 12:00 to 16:00 – taking solutions to the paper and pulp operation to increase efficiencies and make a further beneficial impact in a sector already making a name for itself in the circular industry, with greener products and forests that help mop up the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Macnamara enthuses, “The day was a resounding success with over 280 key players at the plant coming through to see what 50 pre-selected suppliers had to offer. This is a perfect of MTE’s versatile business model which can speak to all industries and commodities with the same impact.”
The day was a resounding success, with over 280 key players at the plant coming through to see what 50 pre-selected suppliers had to offer. Image credit: ©MTE
PGM’s, chrome and vanadium supported in Steelpoort
MTE finished August on an extraordinary high. In 2022, 78 exhibitors showcased PGMs and chrome mining solutions to 325 mining professionals at the MTE expo, but this year MTE shot the lights out with over 120 expert suppliers sharing solutions to challenges.
Representatives of operations in the area – including Eastern Chrome Mines (ECM), Tubatse Ferrochrome, Lion Ferrochrome, Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine; Two Rivers Platinum; Thorncliffe Chrome Mine, Helena Chrome Mine; Magaren Chrome Mine; Mototolo Platinum Mines; Booysendal Platinum Mine; Mototolo Concentrator; Modikwa Platinum Mine; Marula Platinum Mine and TAS Samancor Smelter – all showed up seeking the best tech to fit the bill.
Macnamara concludes, “This year has shown us the strength of, and growth across, industries in Africa and the fact that all are looking for the best bang for their buck in complex times. If you are a supplier to these industries, make contact with us – the industry is booming, and we must all strike while the iron is hot! The year is far from over and our new calendar for 2024 will offer even more opportunity.”
Over 120 expert suppliers shot the lights out at the MTE Steelpoort expo in 2023. Image credit: ©MTE