Northerners at the biggest mining event.

• Author: Tollinsky, Norm
• Position: NEWS

Northern Ontario's mining supply and service sector was out in full force at MINExpo in Las Vegas, September 22 to 24. Held every four years, the biggest mining show in the world attracted more than 30,000 delegates and 1,200 exhibitors.

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Twenty-five Northern Ontario comapanies displayed their latest products and services on the world stage, but many more companies sent representatives to drum up business and meet customers.

Leading the delegation were Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and the mayors of Sudbury, Timmins and North Bay-John Rodriguez, Tom Laughren and Vic Fedeli.

Speaking to representatives of mining supply and service companies at the official opening of the Ontario pavilion, Gravelle referred to the Northern Ontario mining supply and service sector as "an expanding critical mass of expertise," as "as emporium for any mining company looking for a broad range of innovative products and services," and as a "cauldron of creativity that develops products and services for every aspect of mining-from exploration to reclamation."

Gravelle noted that the triangle of expertise formed by Greater Sudbury, Timmins and North Bay includes more than 425 mining supply and service companies, employing some 12,000 people "researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing the innovative products that improve the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of mining throughout the world.

"Our view is...