"For the past five years, the Katanga Mining Week has been the only international event for mining operations in the DRC's copper sector that concentrates on the strategic and technical mining operations specifically for the Copper Belt region," said event director Nicole Smith.
Smith continued: "Katanga Mining Week has earned the support and loyalty of the industry because we make sure that we stay relevant; it is for the industry, by the industry. The incredible growth of our event shows that it has become a crucial annual meeting for all the mining operators, services, technologies and equipment providers, looking forward to integrate the Copper Belt and meet with existing clients and prospective partners."
The DRC's Ministry of Mines is an official supporter of this year's event again and, so far, the Katanga Mining Week has also already secured industry support through the diamond sponsorship by Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) as well as Engen, MMG, Tenke Fungurume Mining and Tiger Resources Limited, as platinum sponsors.
Gustave Nzeng, Chairman of the Kamoto Copper Company, said: "The mining industry is constantly in evolution and attracts a considerable number of investors in the region. The event gives the opportunity for key decision makers to share their reflections and strategies to boost the mining sector."
The Katanga Mining Week will provide activities over four days for the entire copper and cobalt mining value chain, including: a CEO Golf Day; a main conference addressing operational issues like transport and energy infrastructure, training and skills development, and corporate social responsibility in the mining sector; an outdoor exhibition and product demonstrations; site visits to mining operations in the province; and technical workshops on the expo floor.
Conference speaker highlights include:
• Moise Katumbi Chapwe: Governor of Katanga Province;
• Simon Tuma-Waku: Vice-President DRC Chamber of Mines;
• Audax Sompwe, Minister of Mines, Katanga Province; and
• Oscar Melhado, Country representative, International Monetary Fund Representative, Gecamines, DRC.
"Not only are we gathering the key investors and mining companies of the DRC," said Smith, "we also attract companies and investors from South Africa, Zambia, Congo Brazzaville and France, participating in the increasing globalisation of the region."
The exhibition will showcase the high-tech products and services of 45 solution providers to the copper and cobalt mining sectors and more than 10 outdoor exhibitors, including DEM Group, Congo Equipment, Atlas Copco, AEL Mining Services, Bond Equipment, SMT Group and many other well-known names in the industry.
Katanga Mining Week is also offering free workshops on the exhibition floor for all visitors, which will focus on key issues and challenges in the mining sector including daily operations, exploration and mining safety.
Smith said: "You will hear geologists, metallurgists, and others experts getting deeper into the nitty gritty of exploration, production and processing. The workshops will contribute to improve the expertise of mining personnel in the field, giving them the right tools and skills to excel at their jobs. This year, we will also provide insights into shaft sinking, blasting as well as latest development in welding and much more."
Prior to the Katanga Mining Week, the 10th edition of the iPad DRC Mining & Infrastructure Indaba takes place at the Fleuve Congo Hotel in Kinshasa on 22 and 23 October.
For more, go to www.ipad-katanga.com
