East Africa-focused heavy equipment supply and services specialist Quest Qualitas is leading two conference sessions at the 2013 Mena Mining Show, starting today (October 28).

The company will highlight the latest opportunities in East Africa and focus on techniques to improve productivity at the event, being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

According to the Arab League’s Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organisation (AIDMO), Sudan could be sitting on the largest gold reserves in Africa. Having lost most of its oil revenues to South Sudan, it is estimated that mining for gold could earn the country in excess of $4 billion annually, if it reaches production levels of approximately 70 tonnes each year.

Government estimates suggested that at the end of 2012, the country had produced around 43 tonnes of the yellow metal.

“The emerging markets of East and West Africa present vast potential for commercial expansion with more than 100 companies licensed to prospect and produce gold in Sudan, iron ore excavation, a major income driver for Mauritania and 20 exploration and mining companies now operating in Eritrea,” said Zahir Elsayed, CEO.

The event brings together government officials, the region’s wealthiest investors and leading mining companies for the exhibition and conference action.

As the global dealer for international machinery giant Atlas Copco, and its appointed dealer for Sudan and other East African countries, Quest Qualitas will launch the company's new range of flexible technical plant machinery, including portable drilling equipment.

“As a first mover into some of the region’s previously untapped markets, where we have seen mining equipment sales reach over $8 million already this year, our presence at the Mena Mining Show allows us to meet with our key partners, potential investors, our own key customers as well as prospective clients to showcase the latest Atlas Copco solutions as well as discuss the logistical challenges of operating in countries with a major infrastructural deficit,” said Mohamed Abdelhamied, COO.

The company will also hold a prize draw for visitors to their stand, to give away an exclusively designed gold-plated pin. - TradeArabia News Service