Equipment supplier corners global contracts: from Sudbury, Mine technology firm to conduct $60 million in global sales in 2005.

• Author: Louiseize, Kelly
• Position: TOP Five EXPORTERS - Mining Technologies International

Sudbury-based Mining Technologies International is spanning the globe in search of new opportunities. If history has shown mining supply heads anything, it is that one should not focus all his efforts in one area. Weak Canadian and American sales in the 1980s and late 1990s forced mining supply and service companies to diversify their customer portfolios. But this was something MTI had been doing all along. With 66 percent of their sales coming from Canada, approximately 12 percent from the United States and an estimated 22 percent exported between Mexico and Chile, the company is well on the way to solidifying its place in the world.

"We are in most countries (that) have a mining industry," says international business developments manager Ed Sirkka.

Keith King, controller, expects those exporting percentages to increase, since most of the action is taking place overseas.

Overall, company sales have been rising in the last two years. In 2004, they pulled in $40 million and expect to top out at approximately $60 million this year, with forecasts peaking close to $80 million for 2006. Their growing presence in the international mining market is fuelling the flame.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The main focus in the next five to 10 years will be on nurturing key relationships by providing quality equipment and service.

"In my mind, more emphasis will be put on India, China, Russia and the South and Eastern Asiatic countries," Sirkka says. "South America is very important in this endeavour (as well)."

Relationships are expected to strengthen with Norilsk Nickel, one of the world's largest mines, accounting for more than four percent of Russia's export, and Alrosa Diamond Mine, one of the only diamond-bearing producers in Russia.

Other mining companies in China, Vietnam and the Philippines are being courted by Sirkka's team. Vena Resources Inc. and Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. are...