General News & Comment Attendance is well down at World Mining

Perhaps the high cost of staying in Sweden — a single room in a fairly good hotel costs $130 per night and a cup of coffee at least $2 — kept potential delegates away from the 13th World Mining Congress held here May 31 to June 5.

Just 1,100 delegates registered, the fewest since the third Congress in 1963 when 625 attended. Attendance at previous congresses has been as high as 2,350.

Nevertheless, the high calibre of technical papers, the unique opportunity to mingle with representatives of 58 countries and the warm hospitality of the people in this ancient city all combined to make the Congress a success.

Although fewer in number, the delegates are being kept busier than at other congresses with 130 technical papers — five presented by Canadians — addressing the theme: Improvement of mine productivity and over-all economy through modern technology. No more than 120 papers had been presented at any previous congress.

In conjunction with the Congress, a World Mining Exhibition was also held.

With 216 exhibitors representing 300 companies, the Congress and the exhibition comprise the largest mining event ever held in Scandinavia.

The equipment show is the largest since 1976 in Dusseldorf, although significantly smaller than the Las Vegas equipment show held last fall. American and Japanese companies are noticeably absent from this event.

The Congress’ organizing committee announced on opening day that the next Congress will be held in Beijing, China, in 1990. Seville, Spain, will host the event in 1992 as part of Spain’s celebration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America. In 1994 the event will be held in Bulgaria.