Zimpapers Logo

BEKI NKOMO

Oliver Kazunga Senior Business Reporter
OVER 90 percent of exhibition space at this year’s Mining, Engineering and Transport (Mine Entra) exhibition has been taken up with several international exhibitors set to grace the event.
The 19th edition of Mine Entra takes place in Bulawayo from July 23 to 25 under the theme, “Innovation, Beneficiation, Growth”.

The theme reflects the thrust of this year’s exhibition which is to showcase innovative technologies for beneficiation and how these could be leveraged to drive macro-economic benefits.

“To date, over 4,600 square metres of exhibition space has been sold which represents 91 percent of available space,” said the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company chairman Bekithemba Nkomo at a press conference yesterday.

“International participation, either by a national or individual representation, includes Belgium, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, People’s Republic of China, Germany, Nigeria-Belize Chamber of Commerce, and the Republic of South Africa.”

He said international exhibitors would be showcasing chemicals, conveyors, drilling equipment, pumps, rubber, hoses and mineral processing equipment.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Nkomo said, had confirmed that it would be on site to assist exhibitors with their importation procedures.

“The exhibition has also attracted small-scale miners including the Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Council as well as the Women in Mining and other mining groups that have traditionally supported the expo.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa will officially open the exhibition on July 24.

Mine Entra is organised in partnership with the Chamber of Mines and other industry players.

“This annual conference, which gives the mines an opportunity to engage policy makers, will this year feature presentations and discussions on how present policy supports “Innovation, Beneficiation, Growth,” said Nkomo.

The Joint Suppliers and Producers Conference, which gives a discussion forum to the mines as well as downstream industries in the mining value chain, will take place on July 24.

The Chamber of Mines executive committee has scheduled its bi-monthly meeting to coincide with the Mine Entra period.

“The meeting will be held at the exhibition centre on July 22 and will bring senior mining executives into Bulawayo who will then stay on to meet with exhibitors,” said Nkomo.