MINExpo Day Two: Innovation Highlights Continue

Day two of MINExpo 2024 kicked off with as much excitement as day one. Attendees continued scouring each hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center to get the scoop on the mining industry’s latest exhibits and technology.

In the morning, an hour long “fireside chat” was held, where the National Mining Association (NMA)’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Katie Sweeney spoke with entrepreneur and former race car driver Danica Patrick. Throughout their conversation, Patrick discussed her rise to racing, career advancement and advice for young women professionals.

Sweeney and Patrick compared the commonalities between the mining industry and racing industry, with Patrick offering advice on being a woman in a male dominated industry.

“There’s a place for everyone. It’s about finding where you fit in, finding what you enjoy doing because usually when you enjoy it, you do a better job at it. It’s just about figuring out that skill set,” said Patrick.

The two also discussed the similarities between safety in the racing industry and mining industry, highlighting the importance of protocols, trust and teamwork.

Later in the evening, the manufacturer and services CEO panel was held. Moderated by NMA President and CEO Rich Nolan, the panel featured commentary from J.H. Fletcher & Co. President & Co-Chairman Rod Duncan, Cummins Inc. Vice President of Power Systems Engineering Gary Johansen, Caterpillar Inc. Group President Denise C. Johnson, Mcclanahan Corporation Chief Executive Officer Sean McClanahan, Philippi-Hagenbuch Vice President of International Operations Danette Swank, and Komatsu Mining Global Commercial Director Robert Wise. The panel discussed prevalent mining industry topics, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), supply chain resiliency, workforce issues, and manufacturing in America. Throughout their discussion, panelists spoke on what each of their companies were doing to further the mining industry and battle arising challenges.

“We need to be creative on how we bring people into the industry,” said Wise, regarding the issue of recruitment and decreasing numbers in mining professionals.

Throughout the day, exhibitors continued showcasing their latest and greatest technology, with interactive exhibits, machinery explanations and equipment spotlights. In accordance with day one, MINExpo continued to highlight themes of automation, AI, reduced emissions and supreme technological advances over the past four years.