China Mining Congress & Expo in Beijing, China (Nov.8-15, 2008)

As one of the world’s TOP 4 mining expos, CHINA MINING Congress & Expo provides a strong channel and platform for mining & exploration companies to communicate and exchange new ideas on development, investment policies, mining rights trading, exploration, technology and equipment, mining evaluation and consultancy, and sustainable development. This year the Congress has attracted over 400 exhibitors, 10,000 professional visitors and 3500 conference delegates from 49 countries and regions.

Flying into the Beijing airport is like flying into a dust cloud.  The polution reaches far and wide and you can scoop it with a spoon.  It is thick. As soon as I get off the plain I can taste the polution in my mouth, my thirst gets dusty, my lungs are feeling strained and the mid-day sun looks like a distant lightbulb in heavy fog. 

The airport is itself surprisingly large and modern.  There are lots of well stocked stores and uniformed police throughout the airport. There are also lots and lots of people stepping on each other without a single excuse me to be heard.  Their faces are blank with no acknowledgement of other humans around them. I wonder if someone where to have a heart attack or faint if anyone would stop to help or even notice.

Fortunately, I’m not alone.  There are two women from the office with me who speak Chinese and have made arrangements.  Even then, we find ourselves in a long line-up waiting for the taxi.

The 5-star hotel we’re staying at is next to where the Congress is taking place, at the Beijing International Convention Center.

{more to follow when I have time to write}

In the end we walked away with many great contacts and opportunities.  Needless to say the trip has paid for itself many times over.