In the foreground, this cross-section model of a gyratory crusher illustrates just one example of our hundreds of crusher wear part patterns for all popular makes and models.

See You in Las Vegas at MINExpo® 2021

Before COVID-19 changed everything, we expected to spend the last weekend of September in Las Vegas, Nevada, with our industry friends at MINExpo 2020. Sponsored by the National Mining Association — the trade association representing mining interests before Congress, the administration, federal agencies, the judiciary and the media — MINExpo occurs every four years and is the world’s largest exposition for mining equipment, products and services. Here, attendees can discover what’s new and exciting in mining — all in one location.

How big is MINExpo? In 2016, the show covered more than 800,000 square feet of the Las Vegas Convention Center floor. It included nearly 2,000 manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers. Some 44,000 mining professionals from 127 countries attended the three-day event.

When the coronavirus pandemic made such large gatherings impossible, the organizers wisely postponed MINExpo 2020 until September 13-15, 2021. While we’re disappointed we can’t attend this year, we’re eagerly looking forward to next year’s show.

For safer and more efficient wedge removal, check out this model of our WedgeOut system, which uses simple hydraulics to do the job with less manpower and fewer hazards.

Columbia Steel at MINExpo in the Past

The 2020 cancellation has us thinking fondly about previous shows. Our booth team agrees that meeting customers and colleagues in person is the highlight of these three days in Vegas. “For me the best experience was seeing old friends from the mining community. Miners are very good folks!” says Mark Barton, Columbia Steel District Manager and lead for our Dragline Product Engineering Group.

Doug Henderson, Product Engineering Director and Crusher Products Manager, also adds, “As Engineers we spend much of our time at our Portland facility. We have customers that we’ve worked with for many years — but most of our contact is by email or on the phone, so it’s great to have the chance to see them in person at a show like MINExpo.”

We also enjoy introducing Columbia Steel to mining professionals who aren’t yet acquainted with our products and expertise, and how our wear parts can enhance their safety and productivity.

Looking for the right replacement jaws for your crusher? Our demonstration model offers a quick comparison of profile styles, from specialty slab breakers to curved, straight, and smooth end designs.

We Manufacture Critical Wear Parts for Mining

Columbia Steel has supported the surface mining industry for decades with our OEM-style and custom wear part castings for crushers and draglines. MINExpo attendees have an opportunity to meet the engineers and field representatives behind our cone, jaw, and gyratory crusher parts. It’s a great time to ask questions and receive advice about improving production and product sizing, while lowering discard weight and overall operating costs. We’re also proud to display some of our innovative dragline products like swivel ball bushings, and hammerless repair links and rope socket systems, as well as rigging “weight savers” like our dump blocks, and TwistLink® chain. Mining operations appreciate our problem-solving approach to product development, including the breadth of our alloy and hard-surfacing options to address localized wear.

Dragline Product Engineer shows off a scale model of a Columbia complete rigging package. We design and manufacture wear parts for all sizes of rigging, large and small.

Until Next Year

We’re counting down the days until September 2021. If you’d like to check in with us before the next MINExpo event, let’s talk! You can contact us online at any time, or call our Customer Service Specialists at 1-800-547-9471. When MINExpo 2021 comes back around, stop by our booth and say hello — we’re happy to discuss your unique productivity challenges.