MINExpo Best Ever

By: Barbara Altizer
Coal Leader
    

      The 61st version of MINExpo International, the world's most technologically advanced mining equipment and services, drew thousands of attendees and more that 1,200 exhibitors to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The exhibitors showcased state-of-the-art equipment; drilling, cutting and blasting equipment, material handling and haulage equipment systems, computer and communication technologies; exploration equipment, pollution control equipment and more.
    The show got off to a rousing start with a videotaped message from President George Bush. The President sent his personal greetings to Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn, NMA President Jack Gerard, and everyone attending this fantastic exhibit of mining technology and know-how from his appearance on a giant screen in the Convention Center lobby.
    President Bush emphasized mining's important contributions to the manufacturing economy. "America's mining industry brings good jobs to communities across America and provides the energy, minerals and equipment that are vital to our economic security and our way of life," he said.
    Governor Kenny C. Guinn of Nevada welcomed the group to Nevada and spoke about the importance of mining to Nevada's economy. Guinn said mining "played an exceptionally important role in the growth of our state. Mining has always been a part of the bedrock of the state's economy." He noted MINExpo was a "showcase for the latest innovations we have for mining." The Western Governors Association adopted a resolution this past summer that I authorized calling on Congress to develop a National Minerals Policy to ease permit delays and other barriers. We did this to increase domestic minerals investment. 
    Jack Gerard, president and CEO, National Mining Association, said MINExpo 2004 was the "best show ever," due in part to Brett Harvey, John Brinzo, Bill Tate, Doug Hardman, Don Symonds, Moya Phillips and the entire NMA staff.
    Brett Harvey, chair, National Mining Association thanked Bill Tate, president & CEO, DBT America for serving as Program Chair. Tate said to the audience, "you're about to see a show every bit as big and sprawling as the industry it represents." He said a serious commitment to increasing the quality of the program sessions had been made the 2004 show. 
    John Brinzo, president and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. and incoming chair of NMA praised Brett Harvey, CEO of CONSOL for his role in the Show. He also recognized Doug Hardman, president & CEO, J. H. Fletcher Co. and Don Symonds; president of Norwest Corp. served as co-chairs of the program committee for their role in putting the show together. Brinzo praised Tate, Hardman and Symonds for their leadership in making the best show ever.
    Around 40,000 attendees including 30% international delegates visited the show. cl

     

    
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