The Mining 2020 Conference to be staged in conjunction with the AIMEX exhibition at the Sydney Showground from September 4-7 has been designed to give delegates to the conference the opportunity to attend the AIMEX exhibition as well.

Reed Exhibitions industrial events director John Gorton says the conference is specifically designed to look at the major issues affecting the Australian and international mining sector over the next 10-15 years, including the climate change debate, carbon taxes, developing markets, resources issues and a look at "the mine of the future".

"Speakers at Mining 2020 include some of Australia's leading thinkers on these key issues, making this conference a must-attend event for those at all levels of the mining sector," he said.

"In addition, we have designed the conference program in order to give delegates opportunities to attend the AIMEX exhibition, and see the latest technology and equipment on display."

Meanwhile, exhibitors at AIMEX 2007 are planning some major product releases. The exhibition will be held at the Sydney Showground from September 4-7. The releases include:

- A new range of manual, remote-controlled and PLC controlled water cannons and fire fighting nozzles from Akron Brass.

- Alcoa Fastening Systems will show a number of developments in the Huck fastener range.

- Ampcontrol will unveil a new Intrinsically Safe Ethernet Switch and Protocol Converter that has been developed as part of the CSIRO NEXSYS system.

- Australian Laboratory Services will display a new cost-effective oil analysis test package designed for industrial plants where a standard oil analysis may not be telling the full story.

- Australian Urethane Systems will exhibit the latest Polyeuro polyurea and polyurethane coatings for the mining industry.

- CBM International will release its third-generation online conveyor belt monitoring systems, which incorporate the world's first online high-resolution steel cord scanning, wear profile analysis and visual inspection systems.

- Cobra South Pacific will showcase a new range of Depreux solid woven conveyor belting and Goro belt fasteners.

- Concentric Asia Pacific will launch its Virtools virtual reality software system.

- Danfoss Australia will display its new VLT family of AC drives, which range in capacity from 0.18kw to 1.2MW.

- Dixon (Asia Pacific) will release its new quick disconnect coupling range.

- Furukawa will release a new range of hammer rock drills.

- GijimaAst will release two new software products, mineMarkup and EPS Viz.

- GPSat Systems Australia will show the latest GPS receiver technology from NovAtel.

- Hedweld Engineering will launch its new ATACH project for safely handling all driveline components, from tyre to hub and strut.

- Hyundai Australia will launch its new R800LC 7A 80t excavator.

- Jaws Buckets and Attachments will display information about its new large dump body manufacturing facility, which is designed for the largest mining trucks.

- Lewis Pulleys will display the new Birn VTP ventilated turbo pulley.

- Marathon Tyres will launch a puncture-resistant rubber tyre lining, and a new range of rims and wheels.

- Mine Site Technologies (NSW) will show a number of new technologies, including its ImPact underground digital communication network, ICCL cap lamp with radio and 802.11b RFID tag, and Proximity Detection System.

- Mining haulage system manufacturer Powertrans will release its own-design prime mover 'tractor unit' for its unique mine haulage systems.

- Minova Australia will display a new range of resin capsules aimed at significantly improving the installation quality of resin bolts.

- Modular Mining Systems will release its latest advances in mining technology, including new modules for the ProVision NextGen GPS-guided fleet management software, and DISPATCH NextGen mine management software.

- MTU Detroit Diesel Australia will display the new 90-litre 2800kW (3500hp) 20V4000 twin-turbocharged diesel engine.

- New "like steel" cutable rockbolts that combine the high torque installation strength of steel with the flexibility and safety of traditional cutable bolts will be displayed by Applied Research of Australia.

- New FMC 2000 Series conveyor idler rolls, which exceed CEMA load ratings, will be unveiled by FMC technology.

- PANDUIT will display its updated stainless steel strapping system.

- RUD Chains will display new tyre-protection chain, lifting and bulk materials handling products.

- Sealed Air Australia will demonstrate its new Instapak packaging foam solutions.

- SEW-Eurodrive will launch the X series (IGX) range of heavy industrial gears.

- SIR Meccanica will display its new patented portable in-line boring/overlay welding machine tools for restoring worn pivot points to their original dimensions.

- Spitwater will launch its new Brute hot water pressure cleaner.

- The latest BROKK radio-controlled demolition robot will be shown by Kiwi Operation Downunder - the new robot is better able to work in hot conditions, and has improved hydraulics and greater strength, compared to previous models.

- The new Tru-Kleen oil sampler, designed to take a live oil sample safely and cleanly, will be displayed by Bard Engineering.

- Victron Energy BV will introduce to Australia its power solutions for stand-alone, standby and back-up power systems.

- WEG Australia will release its new range of permanent magnet synchronous inverter motors, a new roller table motor and a new range of generators.

For further information on visiting AIMEX 2007, please call (02) 9211 7544, fax (02) 9211 7472, or email aimex@reedexhibitions.com.au. Website www.aimex.com.au