German exhibitors at world's second largest mining trade fair
The world's second largest mining trade fair, Electra Mining Africa, will take place in Johannesburg from September 10 to 14 2012. In this context, Deutsche Messe AG will launch its first-ever event in South Africa: The “International Infrastructure & Invest Convention – IIIC”. The event (September 12 to 13) is integrated in the mining trade fair and focuses on energy efficiency, smart grids, renewable energies, water and wastewater, mobility and transportation infrastructure.
Enlarge image
Mining
(© picture alliance / dpa)
IIIC is organized by Hannover Fairs International – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Messe AG – and the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to Dr. Andreas Gruchow, member of the Managing Board at Deutsche Messe AG, investment demand is high in South Africa's industry sectors. “With the first event we also want to gain important experience that we can use to further expand our business in the region.”
Electra Mining Africa comprises the mining, construction, industrial and power generation sectors. On the German side institutions and companies like the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (German Research Centre for Geosciences), IfG (Institute for Scientific Instruments), Bauer Maschinen GmbH, HYDAC Technology GmbH, Red Metal Mining and SIGMA Compressor Services ltd. will attend the fair.
“We have positioned our topics very well within the context of this fair. High demand for infrastructure investment and energy, transportation, water and telecommunications is driving the South African economy”, said Andreas Luttman, General manager at Hannover Fairs International.
In the next three years, 86 billion Euro will be invested in South Africa's infrastructure. Africa's current infrastructure spending shows that it remains directly related to investments in energy and mining. In the future, South Africa wants to reduce dependence on coal power and rely more on renewable energy. According to Germany Trade & Invest, up to 17,800 megawatts should be fed into energy grid from renewable sources by 2030.
Transportation should also be expanded during the next few years with billions in investments. In particular, this includes such public transport investments as rapid bus systems and upgrading railway lines with signal technology.
