Among all of the 400+ exhibitors at the 20th Investing in African Mining Indaba event in Cape Town from 1-6 February, this robust mobile truck-mounted drill rig by Sedidrill caught our eye. Geoscience Ireland (GI) has five drilling companies amongst its members, offering a comprehensive range of site investigation, water well and mineral exploration drilling services.
Around 6,000 delegates from all over the world come to Cape Town every February to attend Investing in African Mining Indaba. This is an annual professional conference dedicated to the capitalisation and development of mining interests in Africa and this year, it celebrates its 20th anniversary. While the mood for junior explorers and developers remains muted, the event offers excellent opportunities for showcasing and developing contacts.
This year, Irish business was supported by Enterprise Ireland in a market study visit (MSV) during Indaba; two GI companies were present, FLI Environmental (lining technology) and SLR Global Environmental Consultants (geology and environmental services). Other MSV participants were Kentz, Buttimer, IDI and Lagan Group.
Other Irish-based companies at Indaba were Mincon (drilling equipment); ATS (facilities management); Aquaterrea (hydrogeology); Intersocial (land access and resettlement); and PW Mining (mining and infrastructure contractors). Kenmare Resources plc, which has a major mineral sands operation in Mozambique, was also represented.
Source: envirocentre.ie