The mining sector is no stranger to boom and bust cycles. The global financial crisis that defined the latter half of 2008, hit harder than most companies thought it would.

While companies could not foresee the liquidity crisis that caused commodity prices to decline, those that react most quickly will be positioned to win the next cycle.

One of the ways to adjust and keep abreast of the challenging times ahead, is to focus on the role of technology in an organisation. Are your technology investments of previous years, still holding water? Do you need to re-invest in an effort to cut cost and increase workflow? Are you embracing new technology in a holistic way and not only leaving it up to technicians and IT people to solve?

Of the ten most important mining trends for 2009, as researched by consulting firm Delloite, five are directly or indirectly linked to the use of technology and keeping abreast of technology changes.

Whether we talk mining, mineral exploration, engineering or geology, mining technology is being applied everywhere.

Innovation through technology is certainly the keyword here. How do you strategically manage technology in your organisation?

The mining equipment, technology and services sector continues to grow, especially in the light of economic expansions by countries such as India and China, and the continued relevance of countries such as Canada, the US, Latin America, Russia, Germany and South Africa in the global playing field.

Opportunities for MTS companies whether you deal with mining software, communications, surveying, geology, safety and security, metallurgy maintenance and many other disciplines, are abound. It exist in many areas including capital equipment, contract mining, exploration, mining consumables, professional services such as engineering and consulting, software and advanced technologies and equipment supply.

The conference programme, which runs concurrently with the exhibition, is designed to provide industry professionals and participants with a broad introduction to the strategic aspects of managing technology and innovation. The mining and mineral exploration sectors are diverse and draw upon the knowledge and skills common to many of the science and engineering disciplines.

This will also lay the basis for defining the target market for exhibitors. It will provide an opportunity for exhibitors to reach decision makers such as investors, directors and mine managers, including professional such as surveyors, engineers, geologists and IT personnel.

New application is coming to the market faster than ever before, and the time between conception and implementation grows shorter by the day.

So if you are a service provider in the technology field, use this opportunity to meet your clients one on one.