On the international calendar, Electra Mining Africa is the second largest mining show worldwide and is the biggest trade exhibition in southern Africa. The show is recognised as a gateway into Africa for investors from around the world looking for new investment opportunities in the mining, construction, industrial and electrical industries. Electra Mining Africa showcases the latest developments, technology, trends, products and services in all sectors of these industries.
The broad scope of the show covering mining, power generation, manufacturing and construction brings coinciding industries together under one roof for visitor and exhibitor convenience.
Held every second year, Electra Mining Africa celebrated its seventeenth successful year in 2004 and experienced exceptional growth. Exhibitor numbers grew to over 600, increasing by over 100 from 2002, and local visitor numbers increased by 17,4% to over 36 000. More than 500 international visitors attended the show, travelling from 36 countries including Chile, Australia, Canada, the Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, India and China. In addition to the almost 37 000 visitors, an additional 12 000 exhibitor entrance badges were distributed bringing the number of people at Electra Mining Africa over the five days to almost 50 000.
Electra Mining Africa offers visitors an opportunity to compare exhibitor offerings, to plan future capital equipment purchases, and to view all the latest technology and industry trends.
Mining industry in South Africa
The mining industry has played a dominant role in the economic development of South Africa and is a major employer. Currently accounting for about 7% of GDP, mining production was robust in 2004, with real value added growing at a rate of 4,2%. This was driven by the non-gold sector, which grew at a year on year rate of 9,6% in 2004. Production of platinum group metals (PGMs) increased by 13,5% and diamond and coal production also expanded as a result of robust world demand.
Most of South Africa's exports to industrialised countries consist of primary and intermediate commodities. A large proportion of exports consist of unprocessed raw materials, with the mining industry contributing the greatest proportion to the country's total exports. South Africa is a major exporter of gold, diamonds, platinum, manganese and chrome ores, and base minerals such as coal, antimony, copper and iron ore. Export revenue from platinum sales increased by 18,6% in 2004.
Annual global consumption of platinum has increased by over 1,2 million ounces since 1998 to a high of 6,59 million ounces in 2003. The demand for platinum is expected to grow further in coming years, due to the increased use of catalytic converters in advanced economies and higher consumption of platinum in fuel cell development programmes.
Source: Budget Review 2005, National Treasury, Republic of South Africa, Feb 2005.
Government support
Electra Mining Africa receives strong support from the South African Government through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME).
In 2004, DTI's export arm, the Capital Equipment Export Council, subsidised over 40 major buyers and specifiers from Africa and all parts of the world to attend the exhibition and the DME put its full weight behind the show as it did in 2002 and once again declared 'Mining Week' during the 2004 show. Mining Week promotes South African mining in an effort to attract and encourage local and foreign investment into this industry. The DME also hosted a pavilion at the exhibition.
During the official opening of Electra Mining Africa 2004, the Minister of Minerals and Energy at the time, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, said that the exhibition was a special event on the mining calendar and indicative of South Africa's role both locally and internationally.
In 2002 she said: "Through our participation at Electra Mining Africa we are able to promote the positive aspects of the industry by focusing on the enormous expertise it offers the South African economy. The show has excellent exposure to the international mining community and is therefore the best value to achieve our objectives."
Industry support
Electra Mining Africa is fully endorsed and supported by some of the most respected associations in the related industries.
* The Chamber of Mines of South Africa.
* The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
* The SA Institute of Mechanical Engineering.
* The SA Institute of Materials Handling.
* South African Flameproof Association.
* Conveyor Manufactures Association.
* The Institute of Quarrying of Southern Africa.
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