Editorial comment
As I write, the UK is currently revelling in the excitement of hosting the 2012 Olympic Games. Occurring only every four years and showcasing the very best of sporting talent, the games are the pinnacle of sporting achievement and represent a lifetime of dedication to sport. For sports fans, the games are the greatest show on earth, bringing the best sportsmen and women to one place at one time. And for the organisers, the games are the end result of seven years of hard work since London won the bid in July 2005.
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While we can all enjoy the spectacle of the Olympic Games, the mining industry is itself gearing up for a different show: MINExpo International 2012. Billed as the world’s largest mining show, the quadrennial event brings more than 1800 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors to Las Vegas from around the world. It is the culmination of years of planning and represents a key opportunity for companies to unveil their latest and greatest equipment and service offerings to the world.
As one of the show’s official media partners, World Coal will also be heavily involved with the show. Next month’s issue will include our official MINExpo International 2012 Show Guide, featuring our potted history and guide to Las Vegas, the show and the coal industry exhibitors. We will also be exhibiting at Booth 2867 in the North Hall, while visitors will be able to pick up a copy of the September issue from the publication bins.
The show will also be a good chance to reflect on the future of the industry. As in 2008, when the world was coming to terms with the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the rapid spread of the financial crisis, this year’s show will take place against a background of economic and political uncertainty. The weakening in Chinese growth should be particularly worrying to an industry that is dependant on China’s demand for raw materials, while the continuing weakness in Europe and the upcoming presidential election in the US will also provide topics for discussion.
So, there is much to look forward to. Don’t forget to visit World Coal as you take in the exhibition: we look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas.
