Now in its fourth edition, the country’s leading mining, industrial and power generation trade exhibition Electra Mining Botswana returns to the Gaborone Fairgrounds and is taking place from 10-12 September. Over two thousand industry professionals and decision-makers are expected to attend.

A first in Botswana and being held alongside Electra Mining Botswana is the new Africa Occupational Safety and Health (A-OSH) Expo Botswana. A wide display of the latest products, technologies and services across the important occupational safety and health sector will be on view.

“A-OSH Expo Botswana is an ideal vehicle to promote occupational safety and health in Botswana,” says Charlene Hefer, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery. “As organisers we have extensive experience in this sector having organised nine occupational safety and health trade shows in South Africa. We have partnered with local Botswana firm, TRM Group, who are forerunners in occupational safety and health in Botswana.”

The show will put the spotlight on this important sector and visitors will be able to engage with leading companies operating in this space.

Gorata Manyaapelo, managing director of TRM Group explains that with Botswana’s growing workforce there is a growing need for occupational safety and health awareness and implementation, and says that “It’s becoming increasingly important for companies to ensure the uncompromised health, safety and wellbeing of employees in the workplace – for economic reasons, as well as to promote good company values.”

As pioneers and leaders in occupational safety and health, Manyaapelo says that her company is always at the helm of groundbreaking initiatives in this sector in Botswana, and that “we are excited to be supporting Electra Mining Botswana and providing our expertise to the very first A-OSH Expo Botswana.”  

Exhibitors showcasing latest products

An integrated workplace safety solutions provider that helps customers create safe working environments is Electra Mining Botswana gold sponsor and exhibitor BBF Safety Group. BBF will be showcasing their wide range of safety footwear, workwear, head and face protection. Visitors will be able to see BBF’s newly launched ranges of fall arrest systems under the popular Bova and Sisi brands, as well as their latest range of safety footwear: DCR (Dual Compound Rubber).

Mobile Occupational X-Ray Services (MOXS) offers an on-site chest x-ray service for the occupational health and TB-screening sector. This is through a mobile unit that is equipped with the highest standard of digital equipment and professional staff with years of experience. Visitors can view the mobile unit at the show and a radiographer will be available to take all interested parties through a demo.

Visitors to the Sweet-Orr stand will see the new flame retardant denim two piece overall that is being launched at the show. Made of 100% cotton, it’s naturally anti-static and breathable, and becomes more comfortable as it takes on the shape of the wearer. Also on display will be the company’s high-quality and innovative protective workwear and footwear. 

Pinnacle Welding and Safety, an integrated welding and safety supplier to the mining, engineering, agriculture, construction and automotive sectors, will be launching a full range digital welding concept in Southern Africa. This includes MMA, PLASMA, MIG and TIG welding. Another new premium range that will be launched at Electra Mining Botswana is the Superweld range of welding protection equipment.

Premier Clothing is excited to be launching new technical workwear products at the show. New garments for the petroleum industry are made from “RipStop” weave fabric that is inherently flame retardant, anti-static and chemical resistant; all protection in one. For the chemical and mining industries, a new acid/chemical resistant garment has been developed that is made of “RipStop” weave poly/viscose fabric. The products are SABS SANS 434 certified.

At the Charnaud stand, visitors can view two of their flagship brands. ALU- SAFE® is an internationally certified performance work wear, developed specifically to protect workers who are exposed to molten aluminium and cryolite (reduction cell flux) splash. The SURVIVE-ARC® range of specialised products protects electrical workers against the life threatening thermal hazards of electric arc flash.

Lifelong learning

For further learning, the Foundation for Professional Development offers a comprehensive curriculum of courses in management and professional skills development, customised to the needs of students in sectors such as management, health and education. SHEilds, the largest provider of NEBOSH e-learning training courses globally are looking forward to meeting new students who are keen to progress their careers in the world of safety and health.

Visitors will also benefit from a full programme of free-to-attend seminars, taking place alongside the events. Speakers will be addressing a variety of topics including those associated with occupational safety and health, adding value by sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Electra Mining Botswana is supported by the Botswana government including the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development – which falls under the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, as well as the Botswana Chamber of Mines, the Botswana Institution of Engineers, Business Botswana, the Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa and the South African Capital Equipment Export Council.