Komatsu drums CIM mining into business: report from Edmonton

The CIM conference in Edmonton was opened this evening by Komatsu and the past, present, and next president of the CIM.  The Loyal Edmonton Regiment marched in with red, white, and black bedecked drummers; the loud & aggressive drummers lead the dignitaries to the podium; a few short speeches and a ribbon cutting followed.

We repaired to the exhibition hall.  With beer and meat in hand, I chatted with Jim Rovers, National VP Sales and Marketing for AFI International.  We exchanged tales of mines and miners and how they prepare for and live through labor disputes: secure equipment, bring in managers from other operations to keep things going, and keep product moving through ports and along rail lines.  An interesting byway of the mining industry.

Next to the aisle were ten South African equipment suppliers showing their goods. One fellow told me he has seventeen trucks loaded with mining equipment en route from Johannesburg to Angola though Namibia. Another fellow told me that last year $400 million of mining equipment was shipped from South Africa to North America; apparently the supply lines are easier and faster than those from JHB to Angola.  Makes sense if you consider the exchange rate and the strength of the Canadian dollar and the harbors of the coasts of the USA and Canada. 

The South African professional service provider I found most fascinating is Global Mining Support Group.  They have about 50 people who will purchase and transport to your mine anywhere in Africa, the equipment you need: from exploration support trailers, through new mills, to sale and removal of the equipment at the end of mine life.  I vaguely recall reading of one North American Company doing similar. Is the North American mining market ripe for more of this type of professional service?  Maybe they are the guys to invite to do it for your here, as well as there. 

I will continue to keep you informed about the CIM conference in the days ahead: stand by.