Reed Mining Events director Paul Baker said the 21-year-old show would feature major suppliers to the coal industry including Hastings Deering (Caterpillar), Hitachi, Siemens, Sandvik and Atlas Copco.
“QME is really a snapshot of where the Queensland mining industry is positioned and where it is heading,” he said.
“QME 2014 is focused on providing solutions that result in better productivity, better efficiency and better optimisation.”
Baker said suppliers such as GE Intelligent Platforms, ABB and Becker Mining Systems were primed to showcase the latest in innovative technology at QME.
“This demonstrates that any sentiment relating to a ‘shift’ or ‘realignment’ within the industry has not challenged QME’s status as the premium platform for mining companies to source the latest innovations and technology,” he said.
“In fact, what is clear is that resource companies are looking for solutions that will better their operations. Therefore, the necessity and importance of QME has never been greater.
“The healthy response from the industry confirms that QME provides unrivalled opportunities for sourcing operational solutions and networking with industry peers and this is again validated by over 550 suppliers already locked in for 2014.”
Mackay Regional Council revealed that the last QME in 2012 generated an estimated increase of $17.1 million to Mackay’s gross regional product and resulted in $220 million in direct sales for its exhibitors.