The National Mining Association (NMA) has announced that Jeffrey Dawes of Komatsu will chair MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2020.

A long-time leader within Komatsu and the industry, Dawes is VP of Komatsu’s Global Mining Business Division, and President and CEO of Milwaukee-based Komatsu Mining Corp.

Held every four years and sponsored by NMA, MINExpo INTERNATIONAL is the world’s largest and most comprehensive global mining event, bringing together worldwide industry leaders ready to purchase the latest equipment and services, explore innovative new technologies, meet face-to-face with suppliers, and make valuable new connections, the NMA said.

“I am honoured and excited to be chairing the 2020 show,” Dawes said. “What an exciting time for our industry and a great moment to gather as one to reveal the future of mining and the latest tools and technologies to meet the world’s demand for essential minerals.

“NMA is a strong and steadfast representative of our industry and has made this event a continued source of inspiration, innovation and excitement. We’re looking forward to a fantastic show together.”

Born in Australia, Dawes studied Metallurgy at the Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie and completed a PhD at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Center at the University of Queensland. He began his career as a mining consultant and worked for several mining companies in different capacities before joining Komatsu in 1998.

Rich Nolan, NMA President and CEO, said: “As the leader of a company that represents nearly a century of manufacturing excellence, which consistently advances and showcases our industry’s best technologies, I can’t think of a better chair for MINExpo 2020 than Jeff.

Next year’s MINExpo will bring together more than 40,000 attendees – both those who have been in the industry for decades and those who are just beginning their mining careers, representing domestic and international operations and all phases of mining. With its strong domestic foundation in the US, but extensive global footprint, Komatsu is an ideal partner for 2020.”

MINExpo INTERNATIONAL covers the entire industry – exploration, mine development, open pit & underground mining, processing, safety, environmental improvement and more. It will take place on September 28-30, 2020, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in Nevada, USA.