CAMINEX, Zambia’s premier Copperbelt agricultural, mining and industrial trade expo, will be taking place at the Kitwe Showgrounds in Kitwe, Zambia, from 5-7 June, and will be showcasing the latest in products, machinery, technologies and services that these and related industries can offer.

An important trade platform that is supported by government and industry associations, CAMINEX 2018 will bring these industries together through an industry hub where business transactions can take place and where valuable stakeholder partnerships can develop.

“It’s becoming ever more important to stay up to date with industry trends and cutting-edge technologies, and how they are influencing the way we do business,” says London Mwafulilwa, Chairman of Copperbelt Mining, Agricultural and Commercial Show Society (CACSS), co-organisers of the event. “It’s also crucial for the industry to keep informed about latest developments and the increasing drive towards environmentally sustainable economic growth, which has underpinned some great innovations. Our theme for this year - Repositioning for Environmentally Sustainable Economic Growth - supports this drive.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, get advice from technical experts, view machinery demonstrations and benefit from the knowledge and skills shared at the daily free-to-attend business seminars.

Government and industry speakers will present on a wide range of topics at the seminars. The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development of the Republic of Zambia will be discussing the outlook for development in the Zambian mineral market for the period 2018 to 2025, as well as the promotion of economic diversification and how to overcome challenges and discover new opportunities.

A keynote presentation that outlines how agriculture and manufacturing are key enablers to developing a sustainable agro processing industry in Zambia will be presented by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Zambia. The Ministry of Transport will provide an update on the Nacala Logistics Corridor (NLC) and the recent Railways (Transportation of Heavy Goods) Regulations of 2018.

A talk on Zambia’s growing demand for power and feasible options for new and alternative energy sources will be given by the Copperbelt Energy Corporation, whilst PWC will provide a Zambian Mining and Mineral overview for 2018 with information on current copper production, how the industry will grow and what opportunities and challenges lay ahead. 

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) will be sharing insights on the accessing of finance and the importance of making sure financial backing is constantly nourishing the mining industry, which is of vital importance. Stanbic will share their story in terms of how they are willing to support Zambia’s local mining sector.

Other topics will include a discussion around the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute in Lusaka and its vision of all Zambians being free of hunger, malnutrition and poverty through sustainable agricultural transformation. Health and safety will be under the spotlight during a discussion on the promotion of positive frameworks and how safety in mining can only be achieved through stakeholder collaboration. The impact of mineral extraction on the environment and how mining wastes, if not properly treated, can affect public health, is also a crucial topic to explore. The seminar series also includes a dialogue around the mining industry, growing at a remarkable rate, facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. This is mainly because the industry lacks suitably trained and experienced technical personnel to support its operations. This session will review how this industry is supplementing skills development in the various mining industries in Zambia.

This year’s event is endorsed and supported by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Livestock, the Zambia Chamber of Mines, the Department of Trade and Industry South Africa and the Kitwe District Chamber of Commerce and Industry.   

“CAMINEX is the essential trade platform for the Copperbelt region,” says Gary Corin, Managing Director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, co-organisers of the show. “It creates an engaging space for stakeholders to network and conduct business and is a valuable experience for all involved in these vital industries.”    

CAMINEX is organised by CACSS together with Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, known for its highly successful Electra Mining Africa exhibition which has a strong 46 year heritage.

For further information on CAMINEX 2018 and for visitor online registration, visit the website www.caminex.co.zm