This year’s West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) is expected to be attended by more than 7 000 visitors – an increase of almost 30% compared with last year’s attendance, reports global events organiser and WAMPEX host DMG Events.

This increase in attendance is attributable to a few factors, including the addition of two new country pavilions for Türkiye and China, both of which will showcase their latest technologies and equipment on offer to the West African mining and power sectors, says DMG Events mining events director and transport production head Adele Tolken.

This year’s event – to be held from May 28 to 30, at the Grand Arena and Accra International Convention Centre, in Accra, Ghana – is being organised in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Ghanaian events organiser Events & Projects International.

“The core concept of the event is to serve as a premier platform for the mining and power industries in West Africa,” she notes, adding that this year’s headline sponsor is sustainable technologies, materials handling and mining equipment company Metso.

For over 30 years, WAMPEX has been the most prominent forum in West Africa aimed at the international mining and power industries and has garnered attention from audiences worldwide, including more than 200 exhibitors and 300 C-suite executives, notes Tolken.

Why WAMPEX?

Tolken stresses that the event is highly relevant to the current industry landscape for several reasons, including its addressing of topics such as sustainability and environmental responsibility, technological advancements and economic empowerment.

“With the global push towards sustainability, WAMPEX emphasises green technologies and sustainable mining practices while reflecting the industry’s shift towards environmental responsibility.”

The event will showcase next-generation solutions and technological innovations tailored to the requirements of the mining and power sectors, highlighting the industry’s move towards more efficient and sustainable operations.

Tolken says that, by focusing on the economic empowerment of local communities and small-scale mining, WAMPEX aligns with broader goals of inclusive growth and development.

These goals include enhancing fiscal policies for sustainable economic growth and development in West Africa and advancing sustainable practices and economic empowerment in small-scale mining.

The expo will place “considerable focus” on attracting exploration investment to the sub-Saharan region, as well as on the expansion of exploration and resource potential, especially where critical minerals are involved.

WAMPEX will expand on investment opportunities and trends in the West African mining and power sectors, in addition to addressing safety and security in the mining region.

“We must also offer transparency on tensions in the region and the impact on investment they have,” she posits.

What to do at WAMPEX

Tolken tells Mining Weekly that WAMPEX visitors can attend technical workshops and product demonstrations, the interactive programmes of which will provide an opportunity for business networking, hands-on experience and knowledge transfer of the exhibitors’ products and services.

“The venue can also host indoor and outdoor displays of the latest trends, technologies and equipment for the mining industry,” she enthuses.

Attendees will be able to engage with new business connections and network with powerful professionals in the industry during extended networking opportunities, including refreshment breaks, demonstrations and business matchmaking, as well as an indoor and outdoor exhibition.

Tolken concludes that WAMPEX is the “most important meeting place for senior mining and power professionals, government representatives and stakeholders in the region”, as it enables them to keep up to date with the latest industry developments, discuss key challenges and understand future opportunities.