WITH the mining industry placing great emphasis on optimization, productivity and cost-savings to combat the downturn, a series of conferences organized by Mining Media International (MMI), publishers of The ASIA Miner, aims to showcase technologies available to facilitate this process.

It is no longer sustainable for the industry to continue to operate as it has in the past and mining companies must find new and improved ways of doing things, not only to reduce costs and increase productivity but also to ensure that the environment is maintained.

This means adoption of new technologies and the aim of the MMI Regional Technical Conference (RTC) series is to introduce these technologies to all those involved with the mining industry in Asia, Australia and the Pacific. RTC conferences will be held this year in Sumatra, Balikpapan and Jakarta in Indonesia as well as Hanoi, Vietnam.

These conferences offer the chance for mining companies and industry suppliers to be informed and educated about the latest trends that can help them achieve sustainable operations in difficult global conditions. They also offer an opportunity for companies with applicable technologies to showcase these to the right audience at the perfect time.

Sumatra Miner

The first will be Sumatra Miner from March 2-4 at the Aryaduta Hotel in Palembang, South Sumatra. Coal is the dominant player in the region and the conference will focus on the opportunities available as well as the technologies that can enhance exploitation. There are other mines in the region, including gold and copper, which can also benefit from the conference and accompanying exhibition.

Overall Sumatra’s mining industry is hindered by lack of infrastructure and the conference will include information about government and industry moves to improve infrastructure, including access to and from coal and mineral deposits to ports and markets, as well as on-site services such as power and water.

As Indonesia’s second largest coal producing region with a conservative estimate of 22.4 billion tonnes of reserves, South Sumatra is poised for further growth and development through technical, service and fiscal support from the mining industry and investors.

The inaugural Sumatra Miner exhibition and conference in 2015 attracted 47 exhibitors and almost 600 attendees and MMI is confident the 2016 event will be even more significant for the industry. A networking meeting of Coal Club Indonesia (CCI) will be held in conjunction.

Sponsors include Sumatra Copper & Gold and G-Resources’ Martabe Gold Mine while the event is also supported by the Association of Indonesian Mining Services, the South Sumatra provincial government, the Central for Geological Resources and RHLBT.

Visit www.sumatra-miner.com.

Mining Vietnam RTC

The focus of the RTC on March 29 at Mining Vietnam 2016 in Hanoi will be safety and processing. The biennial Mining Vietnam organised by Allworld Exhibition Alliances is the major mining industry conference and exhibition in the developing South East Asian countries of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. As the region develops, it is important that technologies be utilised that enhance exploration, development, mining and processing while also preserving or enhancing the tropical environments.

Weir Minerals is again a sponsor for the MMI RTC series and at the Mining Vietnam RTC Weir experts will play a significant role, outlining how Weir’s innovations can aid in development of South East Asia’s mining industry.

Weir Minerals are specialists in delivering and supporting mill circuit solutions including pumps, hydrocyclones, valves, hose, screens and screen media, cone crushers, centrifuges and baskets, rubber, wear resistant lining and mine dewatering solutions for mining and coal processing.

Vietnam’s strong growth ensures there is growing domestic demand for coal and minerals while the growth of surrounding countries ensures there is also export demand. Officials recognise that technology and mining expertise, including that from Australia, can help the region unlock its mineral potential.

Vietnam has a growing population of 90.5 million with 60% under 30. According to the International Development Association, it will reach 100 million by 2020 with 40% living in urban areas. It is often referred to as one of the ‘Asian tigers’ owing to its economic growth. GDP growth averaged 6.2% between 2000 and 2013 and is now 5.54%. Forecasters expect a period of policy stability and moderate annual growth of 5-6% over the coming 2-3 years.

While state-owned enterprises dominate Vietnam’s mining, particularly coal, Asian Mineral Resources and Masan Resources are two examples of private companies successfully operating there and the government is keen to encourage private assistance in development of coal and minerals deposits as well as in value adding.

Visit www.regionaltechnical.com or www.miningvietnam.com

Jakarta and Balikpapan

With Indonesia’s strong focus on adding value to the country’s rich coal and mineral deposits, supported by government regulations, it is important that the industry benefits to the maximum by utilising ever-changing technology. MMI RTC events in Jakarta and Balikpapan will focus on introducing technology and its benefits to the mining industry.

As the nation’s capital many domestic companies involved in mining are headquartered in Jakarta while many overseas companies active in mining in the archipelago and also based there. The Mineral and Coal Processing RTC in Jakarta on September 21 and 22 will be an important forum for the future development of the mining industry. Visit http://mineralprocessing.co.id.

With Balikpapan being the major centre servicing Kalimantan’s vast coal industry, the RTC event there later this year will focus on coal technology and will be an important forum considering the major ongoing changes affecting coal production and usage.

Indonesian and South East Asian inquiries about all MMI events, including sponsorship opportunities, exhibiting, speaking roles and attendance can be emailed to Dimas Abdillah at [email protected] or phone +62 21 2940 6337. Inquiries from Australia can be emailed to Lanita Idrus at [email protected] or phone +61 3 9899 2981.