Demand from mining companies and suppliers has pushed exhibition space for this year’s Mining Expo and Conference to record levels, with organisers expanding the exhibition footprint by more than 13% as businesses compete for a presence at Namibia’s flagship mining event.
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia says 204 exhibitors have already confirmed participation in the 13th Mining Expo and Conference, while exhibition allocations have increased from 329 last year to 372, with expectations that the event could reach 400 exhibition spaces before it opens.
The expo will take place from 4 to 6 August at the Windhoek Showgrounds under the theme “From Dialogue to Delivery: Assessing Progress in Creating Mining-Led Economic Growth and Employment since NamPPF.”
Chamber of Mines of Namibia Chief Executive Officer Fabian Shaanika said the sharp rise in demand is being driven by exhibitors requiring larger stands rather than simply an increase in participant numbers.
“We’ve gone from 329 spaces last year to 372 this year, and we are still counting. I think 400 is really reachable. The increase is driven largely by exhibitors wanting more space rather than simply by having more exhibitors. It looks like they have more to show and more to tell,” Shaanika said.
He said the growing demand reflects increasing activity across Namibia’s mining sector as companies seek to showcase new technologies, exploration programmes, equipment and services.
The conference will also assess progress made under the Namibia Partnership Framework (NamPPF), with discussions focusing on the mining industry’s contribution to economic growth, employment and investment.
According to Shaanika, the sector has identified opportunities to unlock approximately US$2.6 billion in new investment and create around 18,000 jobs over the next five years through exploration, mine expansion projects and new mining developments.
The event will introduce a dedicated Mining Safety Conference, bringing together regulators, mining companies and safety professionals to improve health and safety standards across the industry.
“The idea is to bring the various stakeholders together to share common experiences and ultimately lift safety standards across the mining industry. It is about building a safer industry and, by extension, contributing to a safer country,” Shaanika said.
The exhibition will feature local, regional and international mining companies, equipment manufacturers, engineering firms, technology providers and service companies, with free public access throughout the three-day event.
Shaanika said the expo remains a key platform for connecting investors, policymakers and industry stakeholders while showcasing the opportunities emerging across Namibia’s mining value chain.
