OREANDA-NEWS. OMZ-Mining Equipment and Engineering Division, a part of OMZ (Uralmash-Izhora Group) (RTS: OMZZ; LSE: OMZD; OTC: UHMVY), has announced results of its participation in the 17th International Exhibition Electra Mining Africa 2006. The forum was held in Johannesburg, South African Republic, 11-15 Sept.

Electra Mining Africa is the second biggest mining equipment exhibition in the world. It is held every two years with support from the South African Mining Chamber and covers a broad range of minerals industry topics, including mining, mining machine building and the production of mining equipment, mining industry related energy, extraction and processing of minerals and gems, mineral transportation, safety and environmental measures.

According to the press service of OMZ, Electra Mining Africa attracts representatives from hundreds of companies producing mining equipment. The exhibition allows companies to establish contacts with business partners and high ranking officials.

The exhibition is gaining significance in light of strengthening Russian-African economic cooperation. A recent visit by President Vladimir Putin to South Africa illustrates that fact, as does the project of joint development of manganese ore deposits in Kalahari province, South African Republic. Russia’s RENOVA and South Africa’s Pitsa Ya Setshaba Holdings are participating in the project.

In general, considerable interest in Russian mining equipment was shown in Africa. Having strengthened its position on the Russian market with a 75% share in excavator production, OMZ-Mining Equipment and Engineering is working on expansion of its mining equipment exports. The division regards the African market as one of the most promising directions for the company’s development. Mining companies including Debswana (joint company formed by De Beers and the Botswana government), Zoutpan Exploration, Tau Mining, Soacocor Mineira Do Lucha Cannacar, Samancor Chrome, and Leewu Mining and Exploration showed interest in OMZ-Mining Equipment and Engineering products. The division’s stand was visited by experts from Kumba Resources, Anglo and other companies.

A new OMZ product, the model EG-110, Russia’s first hydraulic mine excavator based on in-house engineering, was successfully presented at the exhibition.