Preparing for EXPOSIBRAM 2013

In my opinion, EXPOSIBRAM is definitely the most relevant mining event in Brazil, even for all of Latin America. It only happens every two years, so there are a lot of exciting new innovations and products that can be found at the show. Most of the main relevant players from all over the world will be attending and exhibiting. Products covering the entire mining production chain — from exploration through extraction until processing minerals – will be showcased. But I’m especially looking forward to two events. The Congress assembles C-level executives and market experts who will discuss the future of Mining in the region, including its challenges and trends. The theme of this year’s congress will be “Mining: Investing in sustainable development” so I’m sure there will be thoughtful conversations. In addition to the Congress, many side seminars will be held by leading companies, focusing on their technological mining industry innovations. The second highlight for me is visiting the external exhibit area, where companies present their enormous products such as off road trucks measuring over 26 feet high that can carry over 400 tons, drilling machines, and other heavy operating machines. I am awed by these pieces of monster equipment. If this is your first time in the area, make sure you spend some extra time taking in the sights. Belo Horizonte is the third largest city in Brazil and known as the ‘capital of the bars’ because it has a very active nightlife, mainly in the central neighborhoods of Savassi and Santa Tereza. The arts are also a key element present in the daily life of Belo Horizonte, with no fewer than eight museums. Make your way to the Praça da Liberdade Cultural Circuit, one of the largest integrated culture complexes in Brazil. If you have transportation, located less than 40 miles from Belo Horizonte is the Centro de Arte Contemporânea de Inhotim (Inhotim Center of Contemporary Art) in the municipality of Brumadinho which is one of the world’s largest open air contemporary art museums, with 100 acres of gardens and dozens of works by internationally renowned artists. Inhotim captivates visitors with its grandeur and originality. It’s no wonder that the museum has become one of the most sought-after Brazilian cultural spaces by foreign tourists. And if you are looking for food outside the show area, two of my favorite restaurants serving typical “mineira food” are Maria das Tranças and Dona Lucinha; they specialize in serving delicious country humble food made the way our grandmothers used to prepare it. And of course, while you are at the show, please visit us at booth H15 and see our featured portfolio of Thermo Scientific instruments, equipment and software for advancing mining, including density gauges, conveyor belt scales and weighbelt feeders, field and laboratory elemental analyzers, online slurry analyzers and laboratory information management software (LIMS). I hope to see you there.