The National Mining Association (NMA) produced MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2024 during September. More than 45,000 people traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, to see the world’s largest mining show, which takes place every four years. With nearly 2,000 suppliers occupying more than 850,000 ft2 of exhibit space, the event had a wide offering of innovative products and services. The NMA said the business conducted at the show was unprecedented. “The response this year was beyond what we could have expected with unparalleled networking and dealmaking like we’ve never seen before,” said Rich Nolan, president and CEO, NMA.

The reoccurring theme throughout the Central Hall, which housed some of the largest equipment, was electrification for both open-pit and underground mining equipment. Caterpillar debuted its Dynamic Energy Transfer system. Komatsu, Liebherr and Hitachi displayed new electrically powered haul trucks and excavators. Similarly, Sandvik displayed battery-electric equipment for underground applications. A different aspect of this edition of MINExpo was the new West Hall, where J.H. Fletcher and Epiroc jumbos were competing for attention. The North Hall, which had an abundance of Chinese suppliers, provided a transition between the two major halls. E&MJ will provide a full post-MINExpo report in its November edition.

The NMA recognized 20 American mine operators with its Sentinels of Safety Award, including 14 mineral/metal mines and six coal mines. “No matter the size of the company, or the material mined, these awards show that safety is of the utmost importance across this diverse and vibrant industry,” Nolan said. For all intents and purposes, MINExpo 2024 seemed to have returned to its 2016 level after an anomalous 2021 event, which was delayed and impacted by the onset of COVID-19. The mining vibe, however, differed substantially from MINExpo 2016, but there were the usual parallels. Critical minerals are garnering a lot of attention these days in the mainstream media. So, mining is no longer as foreign a concept as it once was with the public.

In 2016, the price of gold was $1,350/oz and copper was selling for $2.10/ lb. Coal production was plummeting from 900,000 tons per year (t/y) to 750,000 t/y. Today, gold stands at more than $2,600/oz, copper is currently selling for $4.50/lb, and the coal business has stabilized at 550,000 t/y. While it’s not as rosy for everyone in the mining business, the mining industry has a growth footing in 2024.

Because of its 4-year cycle, MINExpo aligns with the U.S. presidential election. In 2016, it seemed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was a shooin to win the election, only to be upset by Donald J. Trump, and that political unknown cast a pall on MINExpo 2016. In 2024, the choice is just as stark, and the concerns are equally high. The difference this time is a sense of optimism.

Steve Fiscor, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, E&MJ