MINExpo returns to Silver State after 2020 COVID hiatus

Caterpillar was one of several companies to feature a large-scale exhibit at this year's expo in Las Vegas.

Caterpillar was one of several companies to feature a large-scale exhibit at this year's expo in Las Vegas. Photo: Ira M. Gostin

Ira M. Gostin | Special to the NNBW

Thursday, September 23, 2021

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LAS VEGAS — While it may not be the biggest convention in Vegas by attendance, the 2021 MINExpo International convention was back in person at the Las Vegas Convention Center last week, featuring the largest trucks and equipment ever to hit the facility, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Sponsored by the National Mining Association, MINExpo featured 1,300 exhibitors with nearly 25,000 attendees from 81 countries.

Taking place Sept. 13-15, the 2021 MINExpo was back in full force following a COVID-19 delay last year.

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak opened the convention, which is geared toward mining and resource companies looking for capital equipment, upgrades, safety upgrades and numerous other operations equipment, including the big trucks from Caterpillar, Komatsu and others.

One Northern Nevada exhibitor was the Nevada Mining Association, which is headquartered in Reno.

“With the International MINExpo taking place in Las Vegas, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase Nevada’s mining industry to a global audience,” said Tyre Gray, the association’s president. “We are the world’s premier mining jurisdiction, and this event gives the NVMA the ability to further enhance the supply chain.

“This event attracts new businesses to Nevada that may not have considered investing their resources in Nevada prior to MINExpo.”

The Nevada Mining Association was one of roughly 1,300 exhibitors on hand for the 2021 MINExpo International event. Photo: Ira M. Gostin

 

Last week’s MINExpo nearly filled the sprawling Vegas complex with educational programs and exhibitors. Companies presented their newest mergers and acquisitions, latest products and everything ranging from miner safety equipment to battery powered underground trucks to the massive above-ground 90 tonne haul trucks.

“The mining show, which is the world’s largest mining event, has been hosted in Las Vegas for more than 60 years,” Lori Nelson-Kraft, SVP of Communications for LVCVA. “We are happy to have welcomed MINExpo back to the Las Vegas Convention Center for another successful and enjoyable show. The mining industry is essential to Nevada’s economy and is the source of the state’s largest export.”

The Fraser Institute, a mining industry think tank that rates global mining jurisdictions, places Nevada as the No. 1 most attractive locale out of 77 countries and authorities for “their geologic attractiveness (minerals and metals) and government policies that encourage or deter exploration and investment,” according to the group’s 2021 report.

Considering that top ranking, Gray said he is optimistic about the future of mining in the Silver State.

“Looking ahead to 2022, our industry’s focus will center (on) sustainability,” he said at last week’s convention. “Our operators and vendors are constantly looking for new ways to enhance our environmental work and continue its reputation of having the most robust reclamation program in the world.

“Additionally, Nevada minerals like lithium, copper, gold and silver will continue to play a critical role in our renewable energy future.”

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