After the X International Mining Trade Fair, the most benefited sectors were emeralds, gold, coal and limestone.

“In the middle of a crisis, the achievement of business for 150 million dollars (…) is the clearest sign of success”. Those were the words of Eduardo Chaparro, director of the Colombian Association Mining Chamber (Asomineros), who takes part in the Colombian National Association of Businessmen (Andi), after knowing the results of the X International Mining Trade Fair, which took place in Medellin and gathered around 18,000 visitors.

Chaparro highlighted that the encounter took place in a 15,000 sq. meters commercial exhibition area, which he believes makes it the “4^th mining trade fair in the continent.”

“This is the forum and guideline that tells us where the discussion on the Colombian mining industry is heading to”, added Chaparro, as he stated that the gathering’s agenda is “setting the path, discussions and subject” of the industry.

According to Juan Carlos Loaiza, director of the Institute for Mining Development of Antioquia, which also organized the event, projects with emeralds had a “high percentage and participation” in the commercial agreements’ expectations this year, with almost 72 million dollars.

For gold, projects for 26 million dollars are expected; coal, 14 million dollars; limestone, 12 million dollars; among others, said the public servant.

As regards the participation of Pacific Alliance countries which, besides Colombia, include Peru, Mexico and Chile, Chaparro said that the Chilean delegation was represented by 29 enterprises, while the Peruvian company was strongly represented by the metallurgical industry.

During three days, public servants, union representatives and experts gathered in Medellin to analyse the mining situation, as well as to show their products and approach potential costumers in an event that included a commercial exhibition and business rounds.