South Africa’s leading mining exhibition Electra Mining Africa 2026 is set to be the largest edition of the exhibition to date, with organisers expanding the event footprint to a record 44 000 m² in response to growing exhibitor and visitor demand.

Speaking during an exhibitor briefing held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, on June 9, Electra Mining Africa portfolio director Charlene Hefer said the event has grown by 4 000 m² compared with the previous edition, creating space for new exhibitors, products and visitor experiences.

"We are so excited about this year. First thing is, we're at 44 000 m², it's 4 000 m² bigger than what we were previously, and a brand new record, so that means new companies, new areas for people to explore, and, of course, new visitors," she said.

Among the most significant additions is the new Orange Zone outdoor exhibition area, which Hefer said was introduced directly in response to industry demand.

"Visitors wanted a broader spectrum of products, we had some exhibitors that also wanted to be part of it, so we decided to open the brand-new Orange Zone, and I really hope that fulfils both needs," she explained.

The expansion comes as the mining, industrial, electrical and automation sectors continue to seek opportunities to showcase new technologies and solutions to the African market.

Beyond the enlarged exhibition space, organisers are introducing a range of new visitor-focused initiatives aimed at improving the overall event experience.

One of the most notable developments is a digital navigation platform that will be integrated into the show's visitor communications.

"As you arrive at Electra Mining, you'll get a WhatsApp, and that is your sort of guide for the day. But part of that WhatsApp is a full navigational tool that will take you to the stand that you want to go to, or the area that you would like to visit," Hefer said.

The new system is expected to help visitors navigate the increasingly large exhibition footprint more efficiently and maximise their time at the event.

Skills development will also receive increased attention through the introduction of the SAIMechE Skills and Career Hub. The hub will provide a platform for engagement between industry, academia and prospective future employees.

"We've also got the SAIMechE Skills and Career Hub, so anybody wanting to interact with universities, find out more about academia, curriculums and graduates, that's the place to go," Hefer noted.

In addition to the headline attractions, organisers have implemented a number of operational improvements aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, including additional amenities at registration areas.

The exhibition's marketing efforts have also taken on a new dimension with the introduction of Digger, a honey badger mascot that made its debut following feedback received from visitors at the 2024 event.

"We found that during Electra Mining 2024 our visitors were looking for a brand touch point. They want to feel the brand in a different way, they want to experience it in a different way," Hefer explained.

The honey badger was selected as a symbol of the exhibition's resilience and toughness.

"We chose a honey badger. He represents Electra Mining. We are tough as it comes, so are our exhibitors and our visitors," she said.

Digger will feature in promotional activities leading up to the exhibition, including visits to sponsors and partners, before making appearances throughout the event itself.

The mascot's name was selected through a public competition involving the broader Electra Mining community.

"We put out a few names and, believe it or not, Digger won overwhelmingly, so the whole Electra Mining community was part of giving him an identity, which makes him really special," Hefer said.

She added that Digger is expected to become a permanent fixture of the exhibition, with organisers even considering branded merchandise in future.

Looking ahead to the September event, Hefer expressed confidence that the 2026 edition will build on the show's long-standing reputation as one of the largest trade exhibitions on the continent.

"I say that we can't wait for September. It is the biggest, but yes, it's also the best edition of Electra Mining, and we can't wait to open those doors," she said.