FLSME Regional Mining Conference a Knowledge- and Idea-Sharing Event

Safety Solutions & Supply IntroducesVeri 5000 AVD, a New Portable Anchorage Verification Device

THE 32nd ANNUAL FLSME REGIONAL MINING CONFERENCE wrapped up recently in Lakeland, giving Safety Solutions & Supply an opportunity to showcase a brand-new device in fall protection. The conference, a key event for mining industry representatives and associated service firms to gain important industry knowledge and exchange ideas, was held Oct. 11 and 12 at the RP Funding Center (formerly The Lakeland Center).

FLSME — on the Web at flsme.org — is short for the Florida Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration. FLSME is the primary organizer for the annual conference. (Support is provided by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Association of Fertilizer and Phosphate Chemists, the Florida Association of Professional Geologists , and the Florida Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists.) The Mulberry-based FLSME is home to more than 11,000 members and represents all professionals serving the minerals industry, including:

  • Mining engineers
  • Metallurgists
  • Geologists
  • Economists
  • Environmental and safety professionals
  • Educators
  • Regulators
  • Researchers/chemists
  • Quarry/mine managers

The mining conference and trade show featured two days of technical sessions; displays by nearly 40 exchibitors, including Safety Solutions & Supply; luncheons; receptions; and many opportunities for networking. Topics for the technical sessions included Public Relations, Reclamation, Analytical/Regulatory, Mineral Processing, Mining, Safety/Environmental, Geology, Chemical Processing; and Innovation in Technology.

The conference addressed the opportunities and challenges faced by the mining industry today, best practices, and education of the public. The conference also offered a reminder by the FLSME and related organizations that “Everything that is consumed, processed, or manufactured in our society initially comes from the ground.”

“Mining: It’s for Everyone,” the conference booklet proclaimed, adding that “Mined materials are critical to the everyday lives of virtually every human on the planet. Necessities such as food, clothing, and housing to ‘niceties’ such as electronics, jewelry, and automobiles are all reliant upon mined materials.”

For the team with Safety Solutions & Supply, the mining conference is a great venue each year to visit with current customers and perhaps develop a few potential new ones. We also like to attend the show to display new products, introduce new services, and mingle with the companies we currently serve. It is always refreshing to see our business partners and meet new potential business partners outside of our everyday work environment. The conversations seem to be more relaxed and feel more personable.

 At this year’s mining conference, Safety Solutions & Supply introduced the Veri 5000 AVD, a new-to-the-market-place portable anchorage verification device to test and certify fall protection anchorage points. The Veri 5000 eliminates any question as to whether an anchor point meets the 5,000-pound requirements. “We were extremely excited to be able to showcase the Veri 5000 as an item for purchase or discuss the service we can provide for testing anchorage points,” our own Jason Johnson reported.