The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.
A mining trade show featuring more than 300 exhibitors will be an opportunity to demonstrate that the industry has moved beyond the pickaxe and the ore shute to a world of innovative technology and software development.
It will also serve as a reminder to Sudburians about the importance of mining to the city and the role Sudbury plays in the mining world, says Ian Wood.
Wood, director of economic development for the City of Greater Sudbury, was one of several speakers at a news conference Thursday to promote the North America Mining Expo, to be held Wednesday and Thursday at Hanmer Centennial Arena.
The trade show is being organized by Canadian Trade-Ex, which has run similar shows in Timmins. The company has partnered with the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce and other Sudbury organizations to stage a Sudbury version of the show.
Sudbury is one of the top three to five mining jurisdictions in the world, with more than a dozen mines, two smelters, two mills and a refinery within its municipal boundaries, said Wood.
From 40 to 45% of the mining activity in Ontario occurs here, said Wood. The city is also home to a thriving mining supply and services sector that employs 12,000 to 14,000 people and generates $4 billion in activity annually.
Many of the members of that sector will be among the exhibitors at the show that will feature heavy mining equipment demonstrations, educational workshops, displays and talks by leaders in the mining sector.
Glenn Dredhart, president of Canadian Trade-Ex and the trade show president, said Hanmer Centennial Arena was the only venue with grounds large enough to accommodate large mining equipment.
Wood told those at Thursday’s news conference that nobody understands hard rock mining better than Sudbury does, and the trade show will help the city showcase that.
Dick DeStefano, executive director of the Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association, said anything that enhances the visibility of Sudbury as a long-term mining camp is a good thing.
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