International firms dig mining expo

Visitors at Mining Viet Nam 2014, a three-day event that aims to support the development of the country's mining industry VNA/VNS Photo The Duyet

The exhibition aims to support the development of the country's mining industry, organisers said.

The three-day event, which is being organised by the VCCI Exhibition Service Company Limited in association with the UK's All World Exhibition Alliance, is showcasing a wide range of advanced global technologies, modern machineries and equipment in the field of mining. Around 172 companies from 132 countries and territories are participating in the event.

The exhibition has confirmed the participation of seven country groups from Australia, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland (which is sending two groups) and the United Kingdom.

China has the largest exhibition area with 18 companies, followed by the Czech Republic with 15 companies. International participants include Rieckerman, Wier Minerals, Beltyre, Famur, Thyssenkrup, Aeolus, Joy Global, AGT, Theile, Eirich, Becker and Siemens, among many others.

Covering an area of 4,000 square metres, the event offers visitors a chance to access advanced global mining technologies to improve operations, increase the products' value and enhance competitiveness. It also offers updated information about markets, partners and the trends in the Vietnamese and global mining industries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Le Duong Quang said the mining industry has contributed between 11 to 15 per cent of the country's GDP, meeting the demand for materials, coal and metals for production.

"However, Viet Nam's mineral potential is limited thus requiring conservation and effectiveness in exploitation while ensuring environmental protection," Quang said.

He added that the exhibition would be an opportunity for domestic enterprises to access advanced mining technologies as well as contact foreign partners.

Ben Wong, General Manager of PT. Pamerindo, stated that the current events and the increasing need for electricity generation through new coal-fired power plants, plus new investments in exploration and recovery were driving the demand for technology and services in the industry.

"We are pleased to see the gathering of many strong international brands at Mining Vietnam 2014 to address the immediate and future market needs," he said.

He said that issues of safety, technology and expansion requirements were driving new capital investment in the Vietnamese mining sector.

Along with the exhibition, two technology conferences are being held. One is an Australian technology conference on mineral processing areas, mine-mouth plants, smelting processes, coal processing and mine optimisation. The second seminar is entitled "Mining in the Digital Era – New Simulation Techniques, Surveillance and Safety Tools."

Mining Vietnam 2014 is being supported by ministries and sectors such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group as well as overseas partners of the organisers.