The Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo and Conference (CBM-Tec) – hosted exclusively in the Zambian Copperbelt for the region – has moved location to accommodate the growth of the third edition of the event, despite the copper industry facing a price slump and regional mining suffering intermittent power supply.

The event, which exhibits mining technical supplies and equipment, moved from the Mist Gardens, in Kitwe, northern Zambia, to the Kitwe Showgrounds, which has capacity for an enlarged indoor and outdoor exhibition.

Further space is needed for exhibitors to showcase large equipment and provide product demonstrations and more technical workshops, with other initiatives also planned, says CBM-Tec event director Nicole Smith.

She says the showgrounds will be used in a way “never seen before” to host CBM-Tec 2016 from May 12 to 13.

Expectations are that the event will attract more than 110 exhibitors, 1 500 visitors, 100 conference delegates and 40 top industry speakers. The first event, held in April 2014, hosted 92 exhibitors and about 1 300 visitors attended.

As one of Africa’s two largest copper producers, mining has contributed significantly to Zambia’s economic growth.

Forecasts have indicated that mining volumes might continue to increase by about 15% a year to 2016, but this was before metal prices reached five-and-a-half-year lows earlier this year, negatively affecting more than half of Zambia’s copper producers.

There has been some relief, however, with the royalty tax rate for opencast and underground mining being set at 9% by the Zambian government, reversing earlier plans to charge as much as 20% – a positive signal for investors. However, government raised corporate tax from 30% to 35%.

Besides global trends and commodity prices negatively impacting on the sector, other challenges that are pertinent to the industry are a stable power supply and efficient mining solutions, Smith notes.

Electricity shortages in Zambia are increasing, subsequently hampering the mining industry’s production targets.

Government, utilities and the private sector must find solutions to the country’s power supply challenge, and CBM-Tec will offer a half-day roundtable to enable key stakeholders to supply “ traction to the issue”, Smith adds.

In addition, there is a need for miners active on the Copperbelt to reduce operational spend and focus on streamlining operations for maximum benefit.

Smith says that CBM-Tec remains convinced that Zambia is an attractive mining destination, with good support and participation from government, which has shown an understanding of the needs of investors and operators.

“We understand that it’s tough times at the moment and that mining companies need to be prudent and find solutions that are really cost effective to improve output.”

The conference is well positioned to provide a platform to stimulate trade in the mining and industrial sectors in the Copperbelt region, and for decision-makers and professionals to network, exchange ideas, share information and develop partnerships, she comments.

The opportunity to showcase current and developing technologies, new products, equipment and machinery, and the latest systems and services that will help meet the region’s operational and business needs are an important platform, Smith enthuses.

“This year’s CBM-Tec 2015, held in May, was a great success,” says Smith, noting that there were increases of 10% in visitor numbers, 22% in new exhibitors and 25% in stand space sold.

Among this year’s list of exhibi- tors were mining equipment, tools and services provider Sandvik Mining; construction, engineering and mining contractor Murray & Roberts; industrial and mining equipment manufacturer Atlas Copco; and materials handling equipment designer Manitou Group.

In association with the Electra Mining Africa exhibition, in Johannesburg, South Africa, CBM-Tec is organised jointly by exhibition organiser Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser Spintelligent and the UK-based African office of Clarion Events.

CBM-Tec is supported by Zambia’s Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development, the Zambia Chamber of Mines and the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

In addition, Smith tells Mining Weekly that key mining operators in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the DRC Chamber of Mines have been invited to attend next year’s event.

The 2016 show follows on the back of a positive response from all stakeholders involved in the previous two shows, she adds.

CBM-Tec focuses on products related to mining, construction, engineering manufacturing, energy, electrical engineering and materials handling, as well as safety, health and the environment.

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to network with key decision-makers from these sectors, position their company brand, grow their client base and launch new products and services directly to their target market, states Smith.