Hunter Valley mining in the spotlight

One of Australia’s longest-serving mining regions will take centre stage next year as the first Hunter Valley Mining Expo (HVME) prepares to bring together suppliers, operators and innovators from across one of Australia’s most important mining regions.

Set to debut at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre from May 19-20, 2027, the New South Wales event is already gaining strong industry backing, with conveyor solutions specialist Flexco signing on as the inaugural sponsor.

For Flexco, supporting the event is more than simply securing a sponsorship opportunity; it’s about backing a region that continues to play a critical role in Australia’s resource sector.

“The Hunter Valley has long been an important region for the mining industry, so when the opportunity came up to support a dedicated event in the area it felt like a natural fit,” Flexco told Australian Mining.

“We’ve been providing feedback in having a mining-focused event in this key hub, particularly given the growth and ongoing investment the region has seen over the years.”

Flexco’s strong ties to mining partners in the area made the decision to support the expo and easy one.

“We also work closely with many customers, distributors and industry partners across the Hunter Valley and wider New South Wales region, so supporting an event that brings the industry together locally was something we were excited to be part of,” Flexco said.

Developed by the team behind leading mining events including the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition, WA Mining Conference and Exhibition, and Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition and Conference, HVME has been purpose-built for the Hunter Valley region.

The event aims to create a highly focused platform where mining companies, suppliers and industry leaders can connect around the operational realities, emerging technologies and long-term opportunities shaping the area.

The Hunter Valley region continues to evolve alongside changing industry demands, with operators increasingly focused on productivity, operational efficiency and future-ready solutions.

Flexco said those priorities are already creating significant opportunities.

“The Hunter Valley continues to be one of Australia’s most important mining regions, and we see strong opportunities both in the coal industry today and in how the region continues to evolve for the future,” the company said.

“Coal remains a major contributor to employment, exports and infrastructure investment across the region, with ongoing investment in mine life extensions, port infrastructure, conveyor systems, and operational efficiency helping support the long-term future of many operations.”

Mining companies are increasingly looking toward smarter maintenance strategies and technologies that can improve reliability and reduce downtime across operations.

“For Flexco, it’s an exciting time ahead because we’re seeing operators place strong focus on conveyor reliability, safer maintenance practices, and improving productivity across their operations,” the company said.

“We’re also seeing growing interest in smarter technologies, including conveyor monitoring and asset management solutions that help sites improve performance and maintenance planning.”

The expo will showcase suppliers across six major industry verticals, including exploration and drilling, extraction and processing, engineering and maintenance services, technology and software, energy solutions, and specialised consumables.

The goal is to create a practical, solutions-focused event that directly connects mining operations with technologies and services that can improve on-site performance.

A dedicated Mining Pavilion will shine a spotlight on local businesses and industry associations, helping showcase the capability of the Hunter Valley’s regional supply chain while fostering direct engagement between operators and frontline mining professionals.

The conference program will deliver a single-stage agenda featuring technical experts, case studies and operational insights tailored specifically to the Hunter region. Topics will span operational efficiency, innovation and the ongoing transition of the coal sector.

For Flexco, the event represents an important opportunity to contribute to conversations around the future of mining operations and maintenance.

“Operators are focused on reducing downtime and increasing throughput, with many sites moving toward extended shutdown cycles, higher tonnages and faster conveyor speeds,” Flexco said.

“As belts become thicker and systems run harder to meet production demands, there’s a growing need for conveyor solutions that can keep up with these conditions while maintaining reliability and performance.”

The company said smarter maintenance practices and predictive technologies are becoming increasingly important as operations push for greater efficiency.

“We’re helping support this shift through solutions that enable smarter, safer, and more efficient maintenance practices,” Flexco said.

Flexco also pointed to workforce challenges emerging across the sector, particularly around training and skills development as new workers enter the industry.

“To support this, we provide on-site, online and in-class training to help teams better understand their conveyor systems and apply best-practice maintenance to improve long-term reliability,” Flexco said.

At the expo, the company plans to showcase a combination of established conveyor solutions alongside newer technologies aimed at helping operators transition toward more data-driven maintenance strategies.

“We’re looking to showcase a mix of our latest innovations, including the Flexco Elevate belt cleaner monitoring and belt rip detection technologies, and how these solutions are changing the way maintenance teams monitor and manage their conveyor systems,” the company said.

“It’s about helping operators move from reactive maintenance to more predictive, data-driven decision-making.”

Flexco will also feature products widely used across the Hunter Valley.

“This includes the XP Staple Fastening System, which is widely regarded as a market-leading solution for underground coal applications due to its strength, reliability, and ease of installation,” the company said.

“Overall, it’s a great opportunity to demonstrate both innovation and proven solutions that support real operational needs on site, from improving reliability through to reducing downtime and improving safety.”

HVME aims to create a highly focused platform where mining companies, suppliers and industry come together. The two-day event will also place a strong focus on networking and industry collaboration. Dedicated networking drinks and the events Barista Lounge will provide informal spaces for attendees to connect, build relationships and continue conversations outside the conference sessions.

Flexco said that spirit of collaboration is exactly what made supporting the inaugural event so important.

“Being involved from the inaugural stage was about showing our support for the Hunter Valley region and the communities connected to the mining industry,” Flexco said.

“We saw it as an opportunity to help establish an event that can continue to grow and deliver value to the industry for years to come.”

“Success for us is really about being part of something that supports the industry and the wider Hunter Valley community. As a founding sponsor, we want to see the event establish itself as a strong platform for connection and collaboration in the region.”

“On a more practical level, it’s about strengthening relationships with our existing customers, reconnecting face-to-face, and building new connections across the industry.”

Backed by Prime Creative Media’s extensive events and publishing portfolio, HVME is expected to attract a strong audience of mining decision-makers, technical specialists and suppliers from across the country.

With strong industry momentum already building, the HVME is shaping up to become a major new platform for connection, innovation and collaboration across the Hunter Valley region.