World's largest mining event begins in Las Vegas

Like the giant machines that will be on display throughout the Expo, it is a huge production that brings together meetings, training and the heavy machinery used in the industry.

MINExpo, hosted by the National Mining Association, is the world's largest mining event, attracting people from all over the world to talk about all aspects of the mining industry – exploration, development, equipment, productivity, safety, reclamation and more.

MINExpo is held every four years, but due to COVID-19, the 2020 event was postponed for a year. Still reeling from the effects of COVID, MINExpo 2021 was less than half the size of a full-fledged MINExpo.

The 2021 event attracted around 21,000 people, but MINExpo 2016 attracted around 44,000, and about the same number is expected for this year's event.

This year, the 130,000 square meter Las Vegas Convention Center will host over 2,000 exhibitors.

In some ways mining is a slow industry, but the pace of technological change is accelerating and a lot has happened in mining since the last major MINExpo eight years ago. Many people say it is an exciting time in mining – the price of gold has risen and although the price of some critical minerals has fallen, there are expected to be many more critical minerals to be mined in the coming years. In addition, new technologies, including automation, promise many interesting changes in the industry.

Over the past few days, hordes of miners and executives have arrived in Las Vegas, ready to experience the almost overwhelming nature of the massive MINExpo while also having fun and immersing themselves in the excitement of the modern mining industry.