The Asia Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition in 2007 will be the biggest ever, with more than 450 exhibitors taking part, covering more than 17,000 square metres.

Reed Exhibitions Industrial Events director John Gorton said a number of exhibitors were using AIMEX as a launch pad for new products into not just the Australian market, but in many cases the global market.

“That, combined with the fact that we have a large number of companies who have never exhibited at AIMEX before, means that visitors can be assured of learning about new products and services they have not previously seen,” Gorton said.

Some of the companies offering new products include:

Ampcontrol – to unveil a new Intrinsically Safe Ethernet Switch and Protocol Converter that has been developed as part of the CSIRO NEXSYS system;

Applied Research of Australia – to display its new “like steel” cutable rock bolts that combine the high torque installation strength of steel with the flexibility and safety of traditional cutable bolts;

CBM International – releasing its third-generation online conveyor belt monitoring systems, which incorporate the world’s first online high-resolution steel cord scanning, wear profile analysis and visual inspection systems;

FMC Technologies – to unveil its new FMC 2000 Series conveyor idler rolls, which exceed CEMA load ratings;

Mine Site Technologies (NSW) – to show a number of new technologies, including its ImPact underground digital communication network, ICCL cap lamp with radio and 802.11b RFID tag, and Proximity Detection System; and

RUD Chains – displaying new tyre-protection chain, lifting and bulk materials handling products.

This year’s AIMEX for the first time will be combined with mining conference MINING 2020.

“To be held right alongside AIMEX, this conference will provide a true ‘big picture’ overview – and solutions – to some of the major issues facing the mining industry, both in Australia and globally,” Gorton said.

Starting today, International Longwall News will begin its coverage of AIMEX with a series of company previews highlighting the longwall products and services these companies will be exhibiting at AIMEX.