ABB, the power and automation technology group, recently hosted its global Mining User Conference at the Four Seasons Vancouver. The conference – with eight years of tradition – hosted 42 key companies from the mining industry, coming from 17 countries and all continents. The 43 educational topics, presented by end users, ABB specialists and suppliers, covered the entire mining spectrum. In addition, ABB said that “various interactive discussion sessions further enhanced the open and distinctive knowledge exchange platform by opening the floor to more in-depth discussions about the latest challenges of the industry. A volatile commodities market, financing, safety and employment issues – the pressure on mining companies to be efficient, productive, and profitable has never been greater.”

“Within interactive workshops, interesting topics like how to reduce CAPEX and optimise OPEX, as well as developments in mining applications, support capabilities and service needs were discussed. Furthermore, the interactive sessions included live demonstrations of the newest mine tracking system at Boliden’s Garpenberg mine in Sweden, ABB’s updated state-of-the-art automation and control System 800xA and the ServicePort.”

“The mining industry is highly technical and very challenging, in every aspect. It is absolutely critical to the success of our industry that we develop and apply the best technology possible’, said Sean Waller, President Candente Copper Corp. “Furthermore, the minerals industry is a global industry, and conferences such as this one are extremely important to ensure that the very best technology is available for all of us, wherever we may be. I thank ABB for an excellent conference, and for continuing to bring leading edge technology to the global minerals industry.”