Big crowd in Chicago for Minexpo equipment show

An estimated 18,000 people attended the American Mining Congress’ Minexpo mining and milling equipment show that was held here April 24-28 in the cavernous McCormick Place along the Lake Michigan waterfront.

Approximately 400 exhibits covered the 300,000 sq ft of floor space at Minexpo International ’88. The displays ranged from the miniscule — 18×20-ft showcases for smaller equipment makers — to the mighty. Among the latter was Caterpillar’s 195-ton, 1,800-horsepower open-pit hauler that stood nearly two stories high. Dresser Industries had a similar display nearby that featured its top-of-the-line Haulpak.

A contingent from the Soviet Union, through Avtoexport Setmash, also exhibited mining equipment. This was a first for the Soviets, who had set up a 3,000-sq-ft display. Canadian manufacturers displayed their wares in a separate area on the second floor.

In past years, makers of coal mining equipment and manufacturers of metal mining equipment held separate exhibitions. This show, however, was a combined effort. The next such show will be held in Las Vegas, Nev., in 1992.