12th IHHA Conference: Advancing Heavy Haul Operations and Sustainability

Railways Africa Magazine

In this Coffee with the Editor, Antonio Merheb, the current chairman of the International Heavy Haul Association, gives me an update on the plans for the 12th IHHA - International Heavy Haul Association Conference and Exhibition, which is set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 27-31, 2023, at the Windsor Convention & Expo Centre. It is set to be the biggest event yet for IHHA, replicating some of the success achieved when the event last ran in Cape Town, South Africa. Over 500 abstracts were received from 120 organizations representing more than 30 countries in response to the call for speakers. At the event, there will be 220 full papers presented, in addition to 100 poster sessions. So far, the numbers for both exhibitors and conference delegates are looking fantastic. Antonio also touches on the biggest players in terms of heavy haul operations and emphasizes that, for the first time, there is a significant focus on carbonization, renewable fuels, and innovative systems that can promote sustainable operations. In addition, heavy haul is not just about looking at the railway aspect in isolation but as a total system that includes the mines and the port. It looks like the 12th IHHA - International Heavy Haul Association Conference and Exhibition is going to be an event not to be missed. Registrations are open: https://ihhario2023.com/registration/