On April 4-6, the Mongolia Mining 2018, international mining and oil expo will take place in Ulaanbaatar to provide opportunities to keep pace with latest technologies of global mining industry and make a purchase in Mongolia. The 8th edition of the annual international exhibition, the biggest gathering of suppliers will be held under the theme ‘World Technology is Coming’ at the Buyant Ukhaa Sports Palace.
 
The 'Mongolia Mining' international expo launched in 2011, when the world class Oyu Tolgoi project started drawing attention of international companies and leading to significant number of supply companies established in Mongolia.  The number of participating countries and companies has been growing steadily over the past eight years, both in the mining boom and decline cycles in Mongolia, proving the quality and scope of the "Mongolia Mining" exhibition.

Ahead of the 'Mongolia Mining 2018' international expo, we interviewed T.Battulga, CEO of 'Minex Mongolia' Co.Ltd, main organizer of the expo.

 
'Mongolia Mining' expo has been announced on the Global mining calendar as an event in Mongolia. Would you like to comment on it?
It is common practice to announce the schedule of international event at least a year in advance. As organizers, we should give foreign and domestic exhibitors possibility to arrange preparations early, including the event in their annual marketing plan.  On the other hand, the exhibition has been organized at a fixed period of time over the last eight years; therefore, participating companies are used to schedule the event and prepare for the exhibition.
 
What is the highlight topic of this year's exhibition?  Which mining companies will make presentations?
In recent years, organizers have run policy discussions and seminars on specific mining topics in addition to the exhibition. Mining sector in the world had growth in 2017 following to mineral price increase in the year. Following the price rise of non-ferrous metals such as copper and zinc in Mongolia, export revenue has also significantly contributed to the economic growth.  The prices are expected to continue to rise further.  
 
The policy discussion of this year's 'Mongolia Mining 2018' expo will highlight non-ferrous metals and the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry and the Mineral Resources and the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia are planning to hold policy discussion on non-ferrous metals and introduce non-ferrous metal deposits to foreign and domestic investors.  'Oyu Tolgoi' and 'Erdenet' companies will also make presentations.   
 
Is the number of participants increasing?  Are there any new countries to take part in this year's expo?
The number of foreign companies to participate in the expo is increasing this year.  The regular partner countries of the exhibition will actively participate in this year's expo including China, Russia, Czech Republic, Australia, Kazakhstan, Sweden, Japan, Germany, South Korea and France.  A large group will take part in this year's exhibition from Canada. Specifically, with support of the Canadian Embassy in Mongolia some 10 Canadian business entities are to participate in the expo.  Suppliers from Finland, Great Britain, Italy and Ukraine will partake in the expo for the first time, introducing new technologies.  About 130 companies from 18 countries are confirmed to participate in this year's expo.  It is impossible to increase the number of participating companies more due to the limited space of the exhibition area. Exhibition booths were sold out three months ago.  This is a reflection of our mining sector's recovery.
 
Which companies are sponsoring the 'Mongolia Mining 2018' expo?
Our old partners are working as sponsors this year.  The main sponsor of the expo is 'Transwest Mongolia' Company, the authorized distributor of Komatsu equipment in Mongolia.  Hera Equipment Ltd and the Department for International Trade of Great Britain are gold sponsors, and 'Wagner Asia Equipment' LLC and 'Hytorc Mongolia' are sponsoring the reception.
 
A new event targeted to create live contact between investors and customers was organized during last year's expo.  Will that event continue this year?
The "Mongolia Mining" exhibition has always been a bridge between Mongolian mining industry and international entrepreneurs, government and private sector. We are taking various actions and measures to link and to create a network between the stakeholders.  We are focusing on creating an opportunity to our partners and the expo participants to exchange information with the mining policy makers and to get to know each other.  We invite Mongolian mining sector's policy-makers and government authorities to actively participate in the expo to exchange information, share views and openly cooperate with the participants.