BULK2024 and the Australian Bulk Handling Awards will return to Melbourne in September. Australian Mining breaks down what attendees can expect.
Mining and bulk materials handling have always gone hand-in-hand.
Indeed, many facets of a mine site are dedicated to the transportation of ore. Conveyor belts and vertical conveyors might be the obvious ones, but equipment such as buckets, bucket elevators, vibrating and drum screens, crushers, mills, sand washers and dehydrating machines all play a part, too.
Advancing Australia’s net-zero climate commitments will require the production of more minerals, and mines must have the infrastructure in place to transport these much-needed ores.
It’s for this reason that the resources industry will play a major role at the upcoming Australian Bulk Handling Expo (BULK2024).
Image: Prime Creative Media
Held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from September 18–19, the event aims to spread industrial knowledge, showcase the latest technologies and innovations in the bulk handling and mining sectors, and provide an opportunity to network with like-minded peers.
BULK2024 show director Lauren Chartres said that while the event will bring producers of bulk commodities together, there will be a special focus on how other sectors can learn from the resources industry.
“There is so much happening in the mining industry, and the scale of the technology that’s used creates engineering challenges and solutions that could help other industries,” she said.
“Tapping into that wealth of knowledge and expertise can help businesses find an edge.”
The latest in equipment will be on display at BULK2024, including conveyors, silos, motors and drives, belt scrapers, container tipplers, dust control systems, and weighing or level measuring products.
In the dynamic landscape of bulk handling, automation plays a pivotal role in optimising efficiency and streamlining operations. BULK2024 will showcase the latest of these solutions.
“The mining industry is embracing innovative new technology,” Chartres said. “Industry 4.0, automation, and artificial intelligence have the potential to radically change the way businesses operate.
“Our mission is to equip the industry with the right tools. In line with market feedback, BULK2024 will focus on industry trends such as the future of automation and addressing key challenges currently faced by the industry.”
BULK2024 will be held in conjunction with one of Australia’s biggest transport, logistics and supply chain events, MEGATRANS. The two events will be hosted over 30,000 square metres at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with one-ticket entry for access to both exhibitions.
“We’re inviting everyone to be a part of this game-changing expo – from hands-on decision makers in the bulk handling industry to chief executive officers, chief operating officers, regulatory bodies, and State and Federal Governments,” Chartres said.
“We’ve seen how impactful bringing the industry together was at BULK2022 and are excited to see the industry continue to grow.”
The Australian Bulk Handling Awards will also be held in conjunction with BULK2024.
As the only awards program specifically for the bulk handling industry, the awards are an opportunity to celebrate innovative practices and superior performances across the year.
Engineered solutions supplier Kinder Australia is a sponsor of the awards. Kinder Australia sales and marketing manager Sam Veal said the awards program deeply resonates with the company and reflects its core value of innovation.
“Dust is a by-product for almost all bulk material handling industries,” he said.
“Kinder eagerly looks forward to supporting and embracing dust containment and preventative solutions that will further elevate this remarkable industry that we are proud to be a part of.”
Veal said Kinder’s commitment to dust management is ingrained in its values, serving as the driving force behind their innovative solutions.
“With a focus on safety, reliability, and performance, Kinder Australia has become a trusted partner to many of the leading players in the bulk material handling industry,” he said. “The industry holds immense potential for the emergence of exciting new technologies that can drive positive change.”
This feature appeared in the July 2024 issue of Australian Mining.
