Agenda

President,  National Productivity Commission
Joseph Ramos is Professor of Economics at the University of Chile and President of the Chilean Productivity Commission. He earned a Bachelor’s in electrical engineering and a PhD in economics, both from Columbia University. He worked 27 years in international agencies headquartered in Santiago, advising governments of the region on employment and macroeconomic policies. For 6 of those years he was Chief of the Division of Production, productivity and management at the United Nations´ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. He is the author of 6 books and over 50 technical papers. 

Executive Director,  CESCO
Alejandra Wood, Executive Director of the Center for Copper and Mining Studies, Cesco. Bachelor of History from Universidad Católica, she has led the communications and public affairs areas of important companies such as Escondida,BHP Billiton and Scotiabank, . During five years she was the Executive Director of the Cultural Center Gabriela Mistral and in 2015 she assumed the Executive Direction of Cesco. She also participates in the directories of the Beethoven, Mustakis and Ciudad Emergente foundations.

Alejandra Wood, Directora Ejecutiva Centro de Estudios del Cobre, Cesco.

Licenciada en Historia de la Universidad Católica, ha liderado el área de las comunicaciones y asuntos públicos de importantes empresas mineras como Escondida y BHP Billiton y  también para Scotiabank. Durante cinco años fue Directora Ejecutiva del Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral y en 2015 asumió la Dirección Ejecutiva de Cesco. Participa además en los directorios de las fundaciones Beethoven y Los Jaivas.

Executive Secretary,  National Productivity Commission

Executive Secretary,  National Productivity Commission

Senior Vice President, Base Metals,  Teck
Dale Andres was appointed Senior Vice President, Base Metals in May 2016, assuming responsibility for both Teck’s Copper and Zinc business units. Prior to his current role, he was Senior Vice President, Copper.

Mr. Andres has over 25 years of progressive operating, project and management experience in base metal and gold mines in both North and South America, and Australia. He joined Teck in August 1995 and has held a number of positions in the company, including Vice President, Copper Strategy and North American Operation and Vice President, International Mining and General Manager, Underground Operations.

Mr. Andres holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University. He is currently a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia and the Canadian Institute of Mining.

Director of Copper Research and Strategy,  CRU
Vanessa Davidson is manager of CRU's copper and wire and cable team. She has had over 20 years experience in evaluating a range of metal markets, including lead, zinc, aluminium, nickel, stainless steel, ferrochrome, and more recently copper. During her time at CRU, Vanessa has managed many marketing studies, cost reports and project feasibility studies. She has also given frequent papers at international conferences. She graduated with a degree in Economics in 1985. 

Director, Resources, Infrastructure and Investment Task Force,  Government of South Australia
Charles Moore. Director, Resources and Strategy, is leading the development and implementation of South Australia’s Copper Strategy. 

He is a director within the Resources Infrastructure and Investment Taskforce, a group within the South Australian Government focussed on working with industry and the community to deliver innovative and transformative solutions to complex resources and investment projects. Charles recently worked on delivering the Business Case for Solutions to Bulk Mineral Export Infrastructure on Spencer Gulf, a landmark report for resources infrastructure in South Australia.

Prior to this, he worked in a number of corporate strategy and change management roles within the South Australian Government.

,  Matrix Consulting

,  Matrix Consulting

Executive President,  Minera Collahuasi
Jorge Gómez is an Executive with nearly 30 years of experience in the management of copper and precious metals operations and projects. He began his executive career at Minera La Coipa in 1993. He spent 9 years at Minera Los Pelambres and became General Manager and Vice President of Operations. In 2006 he was promoted to Vice President of Operations in Antofagasta Minerals. Between 2011-2012 he was Vice President of Center-South Operations in Codelco. Jorge Gómez was appointed CEO of Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi at the end of 2013. He has received several important awards: “Distinction for Excellence Management” at the University of Atacama. “Award to the Distinguished Professional” by the Institute of Mining Engineers of Chile and “Fernando Riveri Award” by Minnova and Metal Consultants.

President,  BHP Billiton Pampa Norte

Kevin has more than 35 years of experience in the copper mining industry, including:

General Management; Project Development; Health, Safety and Environment; Mining and Processing Operations; Business Development; and Technical Services.

He has been VP HSE for BHP Copper, and Project Director OGP1 Escondida.  Kevin has been the Asset President at Pampa Norte for the past 2 ½ years.


Kevin cuenta con más de 35 años de experiencia en la industria de minería de cobre, incluyendo: 
Administración de Negocios; Desarrollo de Proyectos; Salud, Seguridad, y medio ambiente; Operaciones de minas y procesos; Desarrollo del Negocio; y Servicios Técnicos. 
Él fue el VP de HSE para BHP Copper, y el Director de Proyecto para el OGP1 Escondida. Kevin he sido el Asset Presidente en Pampa Norte por los últimos 2 ½ años. 

 

Head of South America, Consulting,  CRU
Juan Esteban joined CRU in 2006 after six years as Assistant Vice President at Citigroup Chile within the Metals and Mining group, performing risk analysis for the main Chilean mining companies for financial transactions.
Since joining CRU Consulting, Juan Esteban has been involved in developing methodologies to quantify and mitigate risks in mining and mineral processing operations as well as in market due diligence for copper, iron ore and fertilizers. Since 2009, Juan Esteban is the Office Manager CRU Chile.

Juan Esteban holds a BSc in Industrial Civil Engineering from the Catholic University of Chile and is fluent in English and Spanish.

Executive President,  Consejo Minero

Lawyer, Member of the Board,  CESCO

Geologist,  

Explorations Manager,  Codelco
Geologist, graduated from the University of Chile, "Master of Science, Mineral Economics" from Curtin University of Technology, Western Australian School of Mines ", specializing in Mining and Geological Exploration.

Exploration Manager for CODELCO since October 2014. H

In their training distinguish a Diploma in Mineral Economics at the University of Chile, 2002 and a "Master in Mineral Economics" from Curtin University of Technology, Western Australian School of Mines, 2008.

Between 1986 and 1988 he participated in projects Choquelimpie, gold and silver, developed by Shell Chile and Los Pelambres-High Grade Copper Anaconda Chile.

In 1988 he joined RTZ Mining and Exploration and in 1990 assumed the position of Regional Manager, based in Copiapo, developing a Business Plan of Exploration and Mining in metallogenic belt of the III and IV Regions of Chile.

In mid-1993 entered as Assessor to the Management Explorations in the Metals Division of Shell Chile, developing an Exploration Program on iron, copper and gold deposits, and economic assessments of geological potential in epithermal gold, porphyry copper and stratabound projects in Chile and Peru.

In October 1994 integrates the Geology team of Codelco's Chuquicamata Division taking responsibility for leading the project "New Geological Model of Chuquicamata Deposit".

In 1996, becomes Superintendent of Geology Division Chuquicamata. 
In 2000 it joined the Executive Team of the Corporation, assuming the position of Manager of Geology and Geotechnics at the Codelco Norte Division.

Between September 2010 and July 2011 was Corporate Director of Geology at CODELCO Head Office. 

In August 2011 he was appointed Manager of Mineral Resources and Development of the Ministro Hales new Division of CODELCO.

He has made several publications at national and international levels being one of the most important “Geology of the Chuquicamata Mine:  A Progress Report”. Economic Geology, Volume 96 / Number 2, March-April 2001, as co-author.

He was awarded with "Premio Pedro Carrasco Castelli" granted under the Geosciences CODELCO Workshop in Calama, November 2010

He is a member of the Association of Geologists of Chile and the Institute of Mining Engineers of Chile.

“Master of Science in Mineral Economics” - Curtin University of Technology, Western Australian School of Mines”

Trayectoria Profesional:
Gerente Regional de Exploraciones - RTZ Mining and Exploration.
Asesor Gerencia de Exploraciones - División Metales - Shell Chile.
Gerente de Geología - División Codelco Norte - Codelco.
Gerente de Recursos Mineros y Desarrollo - División Ministro Hales - Codelco.

Autor de varias publicaciones entre las que destaca:
“Geology of the Chuquicamata Mine: A Progress Report”. Economic Geology, coautor. 

Distinciones:
“Premio Pedro Carrasco Castelli” en el marco de la Primera Jornada de Geociencias de CODELCO, año 2010.

Miembro:
Colegio de Geólogos de Chile y del Instituto de Ingenieros de Minas de Chile.

President,  Sonami
Diego Hernández holds a degree in Civil Mining Engineering from the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris (Mines ParisTech), in France, validated by both Universidad de Chile and Universidade Federal de MG (Brazil).
From 1973 to 1985, he held several positions in mining companies in Chile as well as in Brazil.
From 1985 to 1988, Diego Hernández was Technical Director of Rio Tinto Group, in Brazil, Subsequently, from 1988 to 1996, Mr. Hernández occupied several senior positions within Anglo American PLC Group in Chile, including CEO of Compañía Minera de Mantos Blancos.
Between 1996 and 2001, Diego Hernández was CEO of Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi, a major Chilean copper mining joint venture.
From 2001 to 2004, he was Non-Ferrous Executive Director of Vale do Rio Doce (VALE) and, from 2004 to 2010, President of BHP Billiton Base Metals.
In year 2010, he was honored for his accomplishments by receiving the 2010 Copper Man of the Year award, from the Copper Club - New York.
From 2010 to May 2012, he was appointed Executive President of CODELCO - Chile (the State National Copper Corporation of Chile), which is the world’s largest copper producer. 
From August 2012 to September 2014 he was  Executive President of Antofagasta Minerals and from September 2014 to April 2016 Executive President of Antofagasta plc.  a Chilean-based copper mining group.
Currently he is Chairman at SONAMI (Chilean Chamber of Mines) and Director at Votorantim Metais  (Brazil) 

Vice Minister, Mining,  Government of Chile

CEO,  Pucobre
Sebastian Rios is the CEO of Pucobre, a Chilean copper mining company, traded in the Santiago Stock Exchange with a market cap of US$ 600 million whose main shareholders are the Hurtado and Fernandez group. The company employs 1,200 people and produces about 40,000 tons of copper and 18,000 oz of gold per year.

Sebastian studied Industrial Engineering at the Catholic University in Santiago Chile and attended the Stanford Executive Program at Stanford University, USA. Sebastian has worked 28 years in the mining area.  At first he worked at SQM, a worldwide leader of inorganic chemicals (iodine, lithium, potassium nitrate), in several managerial positions in Belgium, USA and Chile. In 2002 he joined Pucobre as deputy General Manager and soon after became CEO.

He also serves as a board member for various companies in the agrochemical, cement, wine and sport retail businesses as well as non-profit organizations (church, education and welfare programs).  

Sebastian lives in Santiago, is married and has six children between 9 and 25 of age.

Director, Resources, Infrastructure and Investment Task Force,  Government of South Australia
Charles Moore. Director, Resources and Strategy, is leading the development and implementation of South Australia’s Copper Strategy. 

He is a director within the Resources Infrastructure and Investment Taskforce, a group within the South Australian Government focussed on working with industry and the community to deliver innovative and transformative solutions to complex resources and investment projects. Charles recently worked on delivering the Business Case for Solutions to Bulk Mineral Export Infrastructure on Spencer Gulf, a landmark report for resources infrastructure in South Australia.

Prior to this, he worked in a number of corporate strategy and change management roles within the South Australian Government.

CEO,  Pucobre
Sebastian Rios is the CEO of Pucobre, a Chilean copper mining company, traded in the Santiago Stock Exchange with a market cap of US$ 600 million whose main shareholders are the Hurtado and Fernandez group. The company employs 1,200 people and produces about 40,000 tons of copper and 18,000 oz of gold per year.

Sebastian studied Industrial Engineering at the Catholic University in Santiago Chile and attended the Stanford Executive Program at Stanford University, USA. Sebastian has worked 28 years in the mining area.  At first he worked at SQM, a worldwide leader of inorganic chemicals (iodine, lithium, potassium nitrate), in several managerial positions in Belgium, USA and Chile. In 2002 he joined Pucobre as deputy General Manager and soon after became CEO.

He also serves as a board member for various companies in the agrochemical, cement, wine and sport retail businesses as well as non-profit organizations (church, education and welfare programs).  

Sebastian lives in Santiago, is married and has six children between 9 and 25 of age.

Development VP,  Next Minerals

Nicolas graduated in geology from the University of Chile, where he specialized in Economic Geology.

He began his career at Compañía Minera Disputada, then part of Exxon. 
In 1979, he joined Codelco’s El Salvador division as chief mine geologist and then moved to the El Teniente Division.
In 1989, he joined Compañía Minera Mantos de Oro as Superintendent for Geology at the La Coipa gold and silver mine.

In 1993, he joined Antofagasta Minerals (Anaconda Chile) as Geology Manager and in 1997 was named Exploration Manager, with responsibility for Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Argentina. He was also appointed General Manager of Anaconda Peru.

In May 2006, he joined Xstrata Copper as Exploration Manager and in 2010 he was named Vice-President for Corporate Affairs and Business Development for Xstrata Copper and the company’s representative in Chile.

In 2013, following the acquisition of Xstrata plc by Glencore International, he left the company to become a partner and executive of NEXTMinerals, where he today holds the post of Vice-President of Business Development and Corporate Affairs. 
He has also been a director of Compañía Minera Lomas Bayas, Energía Austral, Editec and is currently a director of CESCO.

President,  El Olivar Imperial
Michael Doggett is President of El Olivar Imperial, a Peruvian company engaged in the reprocessing of gold tailings.  He also works as a Vancouver, Canada based mineral economist specializing in the valuation of mineral properties at the exploration and development stages. He has extensive international experience having carried out assignments in some 20 countries.  From 1997 to 2007, Doggett served as Director of the Mineral Exploration Master’s Program at Queen’s University, Canada where he continues to serve as an adjunct professor.  He has served as a board member and advisor to several companies including Next Minerals based in Santiago.  

Michael Doggett es presidente de El Olivar Imperial, una empresa peruana dedicada al reprocesamiento de relaves de oro. También trabaja como economista de minerales en Vancouver, Canadá, especializado en la valoración de propiedades minerales en las etapas de exploración y desarrollo. Cuenta con una amplia experiencia internacional al haber realizado tareas en unos 20 países. De 1997 a 2007, Doggett se desempeñó como Director del Programa de Maestría en Exploración Mineral de la Universidad de Queens, Canadá, donde continúa sirviendo como profesor adjunto. Ha sido miembro del consejo y asesor de varias compañías, incluyendo Next Minerals con sede en Santiago.

Program Manager, Market Analysis and Outreach,  International Copper Association, China
Joe Zhou is the program manager, Market Analysis and Outreach at ICA China. Joe joined ICA for more than 2 years and he has demonstrated abundant skills in market intelligence collection and analysis. Before joining ICA, Joe worked at an Australian-based consultancy specialized in providing quantitative analysis on non-ferrous industries. Joe was awarded a master degree in finance in Australia.

Market Analysis and Outreach,  International Copper Association
Colin Bennett, Market Analysis and Outreach, brings a wealth of market intelligence experience to the ICA. For most of his career, Colin has worked in the field of market intelligence, a specialism he turned to after working at the Public Relations firm Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Before joining ICA, Colin worked at the superbrand company Mintel, whose business is providing world-leading market intelligence reports. Through the Market Research Society of Great Britain, of which Colin is an certified member, he maintains and improves his specialist skills set.

Vice President,  BYD Americas
Fred Ni’s role as Vice President is to create, implement and manage long-term and short-term strategic marketing plans for BYD automobile business (electric bus, electric taxi, plug-in hybrid and traditional gasoline vehicle) and renewable energy business (battery energy storage system, solar panel and LED) in North America and South America.

Chief Engineer,  Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group
Li Bin has over 25 years combined experiences in power cable engineering and manufacturing. During this period, he has been working for Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group, one of the top 3 power cable producers in China. In 2016, Mr. Li was awarded the title of “Senior Engineer”. Presently, Mr. Li works as the chief engineer in Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group.

Partner,  The Martec Group

Sandra R. Monahan is a Partner of The Martec Group, Inc., a global technical marketing research consulting firm. Based in the Detroit area, Ms. Monahan operates primarily within the firm’s chemical and materials practice which serves leading manufacturers and suppliers on a global basis through offices in Detroit, Chicago, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Shanghai & Beijing. Ms. Monahan has over 30 years experience in chemical marketing research and consulting with a focus on business intelligence involving market, product & technology opportunity assessments together with channel development and business strategy development. Competitive analyses, benchmarking and marketing due diligence disciplines also form the backbone of numerous assignments. Much of this experience revolves around market development and launch initiatives based on a detailed understanding of competitive positioning, customer values and external forces impacting business strategy.

Owner,  MetalPlus
Paul Dewison is a leading base metals industry consultant, focussing in particular on copper and on downstream markets. He has worked for leading metals consultancies CRU, Brook Hunt, SNL Metals & Mining and BME. In May 2015, Paul formed the company MetalsPlus Research & Consulting. He is best known for his highly granular metals end use research for the International Copper Association and others, mainly on a single client basis.

Chairman,  CRU

Minister of Mines,  Government of Chile

Chief Executive Officer,  Codelco
Nelson Pizarro holds a degree in civil mining engineering and has been practicing his profession for 48 years. He has led many important mining projects in Chile throughout his career, both in the private and public sector. Mr Pizzarro’s career has been characterized by a management focused on the main line of business, maximizing asset profitability through continuous process improvement and contribution of people with a strong operational risk control and assurance of production processes, promoting understanding with unions and communities near mining operations. Before assuming the leadership of CODELCO Chile, he led the design, construction and startup of Caserones project as President and General Manager of SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile.

Nelson Pizarro posee el grado de Ingeniero Civil en Minas y se ha desempeñado en su profesión durante más de 48 años. Ha liderado muchos proyectos mineros importantes en Chile durante su carrera, tanto en el sector privado y el público. Su carrera se ha caracterizado por su gestión focalizada en la línea principal de negocios, en la maximización de los ingresos de los activos por medio de la mejora continua de los procesos y la contribución de las personas, con un fuerte énfasis en control y aseguramiento de riesgos operacionales en los procesos de producción, promoción del entendimiento con los sindicatos y con las comunidades, cercanas a las operaciones mineras. Antes de asumir la dirección de CODELCO Chile, estuvo a cargo del diseño, construcción e inicio del Proyecto Caserones, como Presidente y Gerente General de SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile.

President Operations Minerals Americas,  BHP Billiton
Daniel Malchuk is President Operations Minerals Americas at BHP Billiton since March 2016 based in Santiago, Chile. He has responsibility for all mineral operations and capital projects in the Americas region comprising 6 countries and 4 core commodities. Mr. Malchuk has a long career with BHP Billiton having worked in four countries and held the roles of President Copper, President Aluminium, Manganese and Nickel, President Exploration and Vice President Strategy & Development Base Metals among others. He has a Civil Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Chile and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA).

CEO,  Antofagasta plc
In February 2015, Iván Arriagada joined Antofagasta Minerals S.A.,  a Chilean-controlled company listed on the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.  In April 2016, he was appointed CEO of Antofagasta plc, the holding company of Antofagasta Mining Group.
 Iván is a Commercial Engineer, graduate from the Adolfo Ibañez Business School at Universidad Federico Santa María and holds a Master of Science from the London School of Economics. 
Prior to joining Antofagasta Minerals, he held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Codelco. Before this, he was President of Pampa Norte at Base Metals BHP Billiton, Vice President of Operations at Base Metals BHP Billiton and Chief Financial Officer for Copper at BHP Billiton.  
Mr. Arriagada previously worked in the oil and gas industry at Royal Dutch Shell International, holding various posts in finance and business development, primarily in England, USA and Argentina. 

Ingeniero Civil de Minas de la Universidad de Atacama, con más de 20 años de experiencia en la industria minera. Se inició en la Cía. Placer Dome (yacimiento La Coipa), posteriormente ha ocupado varias posiciones en diferentes compañías. Fue Gerente General de Los Pelambres, Vice Presidente de Operaciones de Antofagasta Minerals a cargo de las Compañías del grupo, posteriormente Vice Presidente de Codelco Sur a cargo de las divisiones de: El Salvador, Andina, Ventanas y El Teniente y desde Diciembre de 2012 es el Presidente Ejecutivo de la Cía. Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi. Jorge ha realizado diferentes cursos de perfeccionamiento donde se destaca: “The CEO’s Management Program”, en The Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Evanston, Illinois, 2003. Además ha obtenido diferentes reconocimientos uno de ellos fue “Premio al Profesional Distinguido” por el Instituto de Ingenieros de Minas de Chile.

Chief Executive, Copper & Diamonds,  Rio Tinto

PhD (Theoretical Physics & Chemistry) 

Arnaud Soirat was appointed chief executive, Copper & Diamonds in July 2016. Arnaud has almost 25 years’ experience in the metals and mining industry and a wealth of operational and commercial experience gained in various technical and commercial roles, working across three continents North America, Europe and Australia. 
Arnaud was previously Aluminium Primary Metal president and chief executive officer, responsible for managing and improving operations and businesses globally, with a particular focus on lean manufacturing and operational excellence. He joined Rio Tinto in 2010 as chief operating officer, Primary Metal, Europe, Middle-East & Africa. Before joining Rio Tinto, Arnaud spent 18 years in various technical and operational positions with Alcoa and Pechiney in both Australia and Europe.

PhD (Doctorado en Física y Química Teórica)
 
Arnaud Soirat fue nombrado director ejecutivo del Grupo Cobre y Diamantes de Rio Tinto en julio de 2016.  Arnaud tiene casi 25 años de experiencia en la industria de metales y minería, y una extensa experiencia operacional y comercial obtenida en diversos roles técnicos y comerciales, trabajando en tres continentes Norte América, Europa y Australia.
 
Arnaud fue previamente presidente de Aluminium Primary Metal y director ejecutivo, responsable de administrar y mejorar las operaciones y negocios a nivel global, con un enfoque específico en la excelencia de eficiencia productiva.  Él ingresó a Rio Tinto el 2010 como Director de Operaciones, Primary Metal para Europa, Medio Oriente y África.  Antes de ingresar a Rio Tinto, Arnaud pasó 18 años ocupando diferentes role técnicos y operacionales con Alcoa and Pechiney, en Australia y Europa. 

Executive President,  Minera Collahuasi
Jorge Gomez has over 20 years of experience in the design, construction and management of copper and precious metals mines. He is a mining engineer and started his career at La Coipa, Placer Dome. He has been CEO of Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi since December 2012. His experience includes:  Pelambres (AMSA Group): Mine Manager, Operations Manager, General Manager  (1997 – 2006); AMSA Corporate:  VP Operations (2006-2011); Codelco:  VP Operations –South Central Codelco (2011- 2012) in charge of  El Salvador, Andina, Ventanas and El Teniente.  Among other courses, he has attended “The CEO’s Management Program”, at The Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Evanston, Illinois, 2003. He has obtained many awards including“Award to Distinguished Professional” by the Mining Engineers Institute of Chile.

Director of Copper Research and Strategy,  CRU
Vanessa Davidson is manager of CRU's copper and wire and cable team. She has had over 20 years experience in evaluating a range of metal markets, including lead, zinc, aluminium, nickel, stainless steel, ferrochrome, and more recently copper. During her time at CRU, Vanessa has managed many marketing studies, cost reports and project feasibility studies. She has also given frequent papers at international conferences. She graduated with a degree in Economics in 1985. 

Chairman of the Board,  Codelco
Oscar Landerretche is Chairman of the Codelco Board of Directors and professor in the Department of Economics at Universidad de Chile.
He studied economics at Universidad de Chile and earned a BSc in Economics. He has a PhD in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He teaches and conducts research in Macroeconomics, Labour Economics and Political Economics. Additionally he is a member of the steering committee of the CORE Economics project based in the University College London (UCL). He was Director of the School of Economics and Administration at the Universidad de Chile (2012-2014) and founding director of the Master in Public Policy degree at Universidad de Chile (2004-2010). He was also the Chilean consultant for Global Source Partners, New York, for five years (2006-2011). Oscar began his professional career as an economic analyst at the Central Bank of Chile and was a member of the Expert Committee on GDP Tendency and of the Financial Advisory Committee for the Chilean Ministry of Finance. He was professor of economics at the INFOCAP Union School and also directed the Economics Workshop for Young Socialists (TEJOS) at the Instituto Igualdad. In 2005, he was the Executive Secretary during the primary stage of the
Michelle Bachelet 2006 presidential campaign. He was also Executive Secretary of the Labour and Equality Presidential Advisory Council during the period 2007-2008.
In 2009, he was Programme Coordinator for the Eduardo Frei 2010 presidential campaign.

Executive Vice President, Natural Resources Sector,  Alexander Proudfoot

President - Mining,  Amec Foster Wheeler
Dave Lawson is Amec Foster Wheeler’s President of Mining and has over 35 years of executive management experience in the engineering and construction business in mining and metals. Prior to joining Amec Foster Wheeler, he held similar roles at Ausenco and Aker/Kvaerner over the course of 15 yewith P&L responsibility for mining business lines. His background includes long term assignments both living and working in Chile, US, UK, Australia, India, Greece, South Africa and Brazil. Dave holds an M.Sc. in Project Management from Cranfield University and a B.Sc (Hons) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Aston, Birmingham. 

President, Mining & Metals, Senior Vice President,  Bechtel
Paige Wilson is a Senior Vice President at Bechtel with 32 years of global experience in the Mining and EPCM industries. Graduated from Queen University with a Mineral Processing degree and a Master of Business Administration, Paige started his career in operations at the Noranda Schumacher Mines in Ontario, Canada. Since 1996, Paige has been dedicated to developing Bechtel’s mining business in Latin America, including Las Bambas, where he was responsible for the EPC execution of this 140,000 tpd Peruvian copper project located at an elevation of 4,200 m. Paige is currently the General Manager of Bechtel M&M Americas and responsible for the global copper business.

Paige Wilson es Senior Vice President de Bechtel y cuenta con 32 años de experiencia global en minería e industrias EPCM. Graduado de la Universidad de Queen con un grado en procesos de mineral y un MBA, Paige inició su carrera en las operaciones de las minas Noranda Schumacher en Ontario, Canadá. Desde 1996, Paige se ha dedicado al desarrollo de proyectos mineros de Bechtel en América Latina, incluyendo la ejecución del proyecto peruano EPC de 140,000 tpd de cobre ubicado a 4200 metros de altura. Paige es actualmente Gerente General de Bechtel M&M Américas y responsable global por los negocios del cobre.

Managing Director Business Development, Copper & Latin America,  Rio Tinto
Michael Harris has worked for Rio Tinto group companies for over 35 years and is currently Managing Director, Business Development for Copper & Latin America for Rio Tinto plc based in London. Prior to this, Mike was involved in Rio Tinto’s exploration group and in project development, most recently at Simandou in Guinea.

Michael Harris tiene 35 años de servicio con compañías partes del grupo de Rio Tinto. Actualmente es Director General, Desarrollo de Negocios - Cobre y Latinoamérica para Rio Tinto plc basado en Londres. Durante su carrera con Rio Tinto Mike ha trabajado en el grupo de exploración y en desarrollo de proyectos mineros, el más reciente siendo el proyecto Simandou en Guinea.

Global Technology Manager for Mining and Metals,  ABB
Eduardo Gallestey obtained a Ph.D. degree in control theory at the Mathematics Department of the University of Bremen, Germany.  After graduation he joined the Engineering Department of the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia as Associated Scientist.
In February 2000 he started working at the ABB Research Center in Baden, Switzerland, where he produced research on robust model-based control techniques. From there Eduardo moved to the business units where he performed in positions related to R&D and Product Management. Currently, Eduardo role is Global Technology Manager for Minerals, Cement, Metals and Pulp & Paper. Eduardo is also lecturer for nonlinear control at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

Eduardo Gallestey recibió su doctorado en teoría de control en el Departamento de Matemáticas de la Universidad de Bremen, Alemania. Después de su graduación paso al Departamento de Ingeniería de la Universidad Nacional de Australia en Canberra como investigador asociado. En el año 2000 Eduardo empezó su trabajo en el Centro de Investigaciones Corporativo de ABB en Suiza. De ahí paso a las unidades de negocio donde se desempeñó en posiciones relacionadas con innovación, desarrollo y gerencia de producto. En el momento actual Eduardo es Gerente Global de Tecnología para Minerales, Metales y Metal. Eduardo es también conferencista en el Instituto Politécnico de Zúrich.

President,  Lion Consulting Asia and Everwell Resources Ltd

Managing Director, Commodities Research, Global Investment Research,  Goldman Sachs
Maximilian (Max) J. R. Layton, Executive Director, joined Goldman Sachs International in 2011. He holds the position of Senior Metals Economist in the Global Investment Research Division, where he conducts research on the global commodities market, specialising In base metals. Prior to joining the firm, Max worked as Deputy Head of Macquarie Commodities Research and as an Economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia. Max earned his honours degree in economics (first class) from Macquarie University in Sydney, and earned a bachelor of finance from the same institution, completing both in 2003. 

Maximilian (Max) J. R. Layton Director Ejecutivo se unió a Goldman Sachs International en el año 2011. Se desempeñó en el puesto de Economista Sénior en metales en la División de Investigación de Inversiones Globales, en donde estuvo a cargo de investigaciones en el mercado global de commodities, con especialización en metales base. Antes de trabajar en la empresa, Max se desempeñó como Sub Jefe de Macquarie Commodities Research y como economista del Banco de la Reserva de Australia. Obtuvo el grado de economista (primera clase) de la Universidad de Macquarie, de Sydney y obtuvo el grado de Bachiller en Finanzas en la misma Universidad, terminado ambas carreras en el año 2003.

Executive Director, Global Commodities,  J.P. Morgan
Natasha Kaneva is the senior metals strategies at J.P. Morgan covering base and precious metals. Natasha is responsible for setting the metals research agenda, leading the analysis of fundamental supply, demand, inventory and trade factors, and establishing the bank’s official base and precious metals price forecasts.

Managing Consultant, Copper,  CRU
Robert Edwards has twenty years of experience in the metals and mining industry. Between 1996 and 2004 he worked at CRU focusing on the specialty steel and associated raw materials sectors. Subsequently, he worked for two
years as group economist at the steel producer Corus / Tata Steel Europe, in London. In 2007, Robert returned to CRU where he worked on a variety of single client projects related to steel and steelmaking raw materials.

In 2010, he took charge of CRU’s North American steel flat products research, with editorial responsibility for the company’s flagship Steel Sheet Monitor and Market Outlook publications. In November 2012, Robert assumed
responsibility for developing copper mining costs in CRU’s base metals unit. After a successful three and a half years
in this role, he transitioned to a new position in the first half of 2016, covering global copper demand and markets.
Education: University of Bristol, BSc in Economics and
Politics, CFA® charterholder.

Director and Head of Global Commodity Strategy,  TD Securities
Bart has some twenty years' experience analyzing metals, commodity and financial markets, as well as global economies. He has worked closely with commodity, equity and FX trading desks in Toronto, New York, Chicago, London and Singapore, and has several forecasting distinctions and top global rankings to his credit. His forecasts are also part of the global consensus.

Bart contributes to the firm's strategic view and is a sought after source on metal markets for leading print publications and business television programs including Bloomberg, Reuters, CNBC, BNN, WSJ, FT and Barron's. 

Bart holds a master's degree in economics from York University in Toronto, Canada with a Specialization Certificate in International Finance/Banking.

Bart tiene alrededor de veinte años de experiencia en el análisis de mercados de metales, productos básicos y financieros, al igual que de economía global. Ha trabajado estrechamente con las mesas de negociación de productos básicos, de acciones y de cambios en Toronto, Nueva York, Chicago, Londres y Singapur; tiene varias distinciones en pronósticos y altos rankings globales en su haber. Sus previsiones también son parte del consenso global.

Bart contribuye a la visión estratégica de la firma y es una fuente buscada sobre los mercados de metales por las principales publicaciones impresas y programas de televisión de negocios incluyendo a Bloomberg, Reuters, CNBC, BNN, WSJ, FT y Barron's. 

Bart tiene una maestría en economía de la Universidad de York en Toronto, Canadá, con un Certificado de Especialización en Finanzas y Banca Internacional.

General Manager (for Dryer) Process Design,  Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd
Mr. Satoshi Suwa is working as a General Manager for Dryer at Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd. (Hereinafter TSK). 

He started his career at TSK in 1987 and served as a Dryer Process Engineer for Coal, Mining, Resin, Food and other several kinds of material for Japanese and International clients. 

He has the reputation to be one of the most experienced and renowned specialists in the field of drying and he is the Representative Organizer for The Technical Group of Drying of The Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering, JAPAN (APPIE).

Metals Marketing Director,  Air Liquide
Philippe Blostein is a metallurgical engineer. In 1985, he started as a Metallurgical Quality Control Engineer with Renault in Mexico. In 1987, he joined Air Liquide as a R&D Engineer in the Metals Group. From 1991 to 1995, he was Technical Department Manager at Cryolor, Air Liquide’s cryogenic equipment manufacturing subsidiary. From 1996 to 2000, he was International Market Manager for the Electronic Assembly market. He subsequently held several commercial positions within the Air Liquide Group for industrial customers. Since 2006, he has been Metals Marketing Director for the global Large Industries Business Line. Mr Blostein is an Air Liquide International Senior Expert. 

Philippe Blostein es ingeniero metalúrgico. En 1985, empezó su carrera como ingeniero de calidad con Renault en Mexico. En 1987, entró en Air Liquide como ingeniero de investigación y desarrollo en el Grupo de Metales. Entre 1991 y 1995 fue Jefe del Servicio Técnico de Cryolor, filial de Air Liquide para construcción de equipos criogénicos. Entre 1996 y 2000, fue Jefe de Mercado Internacional para Montaje Electrónico. Después ocupó varias posiciones comerciales dentro del Grupo Air Liquide con clientes industriales. Desde 2006, es Director Marketing Metales para Grandes Industrias. Philippe es un Experto Senior Internacional Air Liquide.

Director - Technology Mining & Metals,  BBA
Dr. Kapusta joined Air Liquide in 1995 with a Master of Science in mineral processing and a Ph.D. in process metallurgy. He held various positions and roles, including Manager of the Metals & Materials group of Air Liquide Canada and Air Liquide Group International Senior Expert. Dr. Kapusta then joined BBA in 2010 where he is a partner and where he holds the role of Manager of the Mining & Metals Process group.

With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Kapusta specializes in extractive metallurgy of non-ferrous and precious metals, and is a developer and promoter of high oxygen sonic injection in bath smelting and converting. He also has experience in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and the production and optimum utilization of industrial gases in metallurgical plants. He has been actively involved in applied R&D, technology development and implementation, plant audits and process optimization. He also has experience in techno-economic feasibility evaluation, technical due diligence and risk assessment, market studies, and strategic planning.

Dr. Kapusta was president of the Metallurgical Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum in 2007-2008 and chairman of the board in 2008-2009. He also was a member of the council of the Extraction and Processing Division of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS) of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers (AIME) in 2006 2007 as Chair of the Copper, Nickel and Cobalt Committee.

Director, Resources, Infrastructure and Investment Task Force,  Government of South Australia
Charles Moore. Director, Resources and Strategy, is leading the development and implementation of South Australia’s Copper Strategy. 

He is a director within the Resources Infrastructure and Investment Taskforce, a group within the South Australian Government focussed on working with industry and the community to deliver innovative and transformative solutions to complex resources and investment projects. Charles recently worked on delivering the Business Case for Solutions to Bulk Mineral Export Infrastructure on Spencer Gulf, a landmark report for resources infrastructure in South Australia.

Prior to this, he worked in a number of corporate strategy and change management roles within the South Australian Government.

Business Development Manager,  MOD Resources Limited
Mr Janse van Rensburg has extensive experience in planning and coordinating large scale resource projects in Africa in a career spanning more than 25 years. Jacques joined MOD Resources as General Manager of Exploration (Africa) in 2011 and is currently the company's Business Development Manager. He was an integral team member in the discovery of the T3 deposit and its subsequent maiden resource and positive scoping study. Prior to MOD, Jacques was the Project Manager for New Hana Copper Mining and Canadian based Hana Mining Ltd.

Sr. Janse van Rensburg tiene amplia experiencia en la planificación ycoordinación de proyectos de recursos de gran escala en África en más de25 años de carrera. Jacques incorporó recursos MOD como Gerente General de exploración (África) en 2011 y actualmente es Gerente de desarrollo de negocio de la empresa. Ha sido un miembro integral del equipo en el descubrimiento de los depósitos de T3 y su posterior recurso inaugural y estudio ámbito positivo. Antes de MOD, Jacques era el Gerente de proyecto para nuevo Hana minería de cobre y canadienses basado en Hana Mining Ltd

Exploration Manager,  SolGold
Jason is an exploration geologist with 20 years’ experience in a wide variety of commodities and deposit types with a specialization in gold and copper. He has an extensive track record of successfully managing exploration teams working with a wide variety of cultures in challenging terrains and remote locations around the globe including the South Pacific Rim, the Middle East, South and Central America, SE Asia and the Arctic.

Jason is Exploration Manager for the Cascabel Project as well as SolGold’s Ecuadorean Country Manager and
President of the Cascabel Project holding company, Exploraciones Novomining S.A. (ENSA), which is 85% owned by SolGold.

Jason has worked for SolGold since its inception, playing a leading role in the exploration of the Company’s founding projects in the Solomon Islands. He has developed, over the last 20 years, outstanding skills in landholder relations, local labour force development and project and exploration management and is applying these skills at
Cascabel to the great benefit of SolGold.

Process Manager,  BRASS Chile S.A.

Partner & Co, Head of Mining & Metals Group,  Shearman & Sterling LLP
Cynthia, co head of the Mining & Metals group and a senior partner in the Project, Development & Finance group, of the international law firm Shearman & Sterling.  She represents sponsors, lenders and other investors in project, corporate and acquisition financings with respect to precious, base and specialty metals and energy minerals around the globe, most notably across Latin America and the United States. Cynthia, recognized as a leader in her field, has won many industry awards and is ranked a leading lawyer by Chambers, IFLR, Legal 500 and Who’s Who, and was named “Dealmaker of the Year” by The American Lawyer.

Cynthia es la co-directora del sector de Minería y Metales así como socia sénior en el área de práctica de proyectos de financiación de la firma de abogados internacional Shearman & Sterling.  Asesora a patrocinadores, prestamistas y otros inversores en financiamientos de proyectos, adquisiciones de proyectos energéticos de minerales energéticos, metales preciosos y metales base en todo el mundo, especialmente en la mayoría de los países de América Latina y Estados Unidos. Cynthia, está reconocida como abogada líder en el sector, ha sido galardonada en numerosas ocasiones y está considerada como una de las abogadas más destacadas en los principales directorios legales como Chambers, IFLR, Legal 500 y Who´s Who  y nombrada “Dealmaker del año” por The American Lawyer.

Managing Director,  Rosthchild Co

Executive Chairman,  Black Loon Metals
Mr. Bogden is currently the Founder and Executive Chairman of Black Loon Metals, a private mining investment company.  He was previously the President and CEO of Alloycorp Mining Inc., a metals exploration and development company.  He began his professional career as a geophysicist and Co-Founder of Quantec Geoscience, then as a mining investment banker as a Vice-Chairman Standard Chartered Bank and National Bank Financial, a Managing Director at CIBC World Markets and NM Rothschild Canada, and as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Gryphon Partners Canada.  Mr. Bogden is Non-Executive Director of Royal Gold, Inc. and a past director of several public mining and exploration companies.    

Mr. Bogden holds a B.Sc. in Applied Science (Geology) from Queen's University, is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario, and earned his professional certification as a Corporate Director (ICD.D) from The Institute of Corporate Directors.

El Sr. Bogden es actualmente el fundador y presidente ejecutivo de Black Loon Metals, una compañía privada de inversión minera. Anteriormente fue Presidente y CEO de Alloycorp Mining Inc., una compañía de exploración y desarrollo de metales. Comenzó su carrera profesional como geofísico y cofundador de Quantec Geoscience, luego como banquero de inversiones mineras como Vice-presidente Standard Chartered Bank y National Bank Financial, como Director Gerente en CIBC World Markets y NM Rothschild Canada y como Co-Fundador y Director Gerente de Gryphon Partners Canada. El Sr. Bogden es Director No Ejecutivo de Royal Gold, Inc. y ex director de varias compañías públicas de minería y exploración.El Sr. Bogden tiene un B.Sc. En Ciencias Aplicadas (Geología) de Queen's University, es un Ingeniero Profesional registrado en Ontario, y obtuvo su certificación profesional como Director Corporativo (ICD.D) del Institute of Corporate Directors.

Chief Executive Officer, Consulting,  CRU
David has thirty years experience in the mining industry gained by working for international companies and a range of corporate and investment banking divisions within global financial institutions. He has worked on projects involving the exploration, development, production and marketing of base and precious metals, bulk commodities, fertilizer
minerals and specialist metals. He has led transactions on every continent for investors, mining companies and governments advising on: strategy; financing options; acquisition and disposals. Prior to joining CRU, David
was global head of mining and metals at Standard Chartered. He was head of Macquarie Bank’s European
natural resources advisory team and held natural resource related positions at BNP Paribas, Kleinwort Benson and
Samuel Montagu. In addition, David spent four years in the business development department of Outokumpu
Metals and Resources (now Outokumpu oyj). David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Geology from
Imperial College.

Head of Latin America,  Appian Capital Advisory
Head of Latin America of Appian Capital Advisory LLP
Former Managing Director of Arias Resource Capital (Mining Private Equity Fund)
Identified, originated, analyzed & executed all phases of the investment process and negotiated transactions through direct investments as well as investments for controlling and non controlling interest
Headed the structuring, financing, tax planning and legal documentation (Share Purchase & Shareholders Agreements) of all deals
Led the consolidation of several the fund’s portfolio companies, including equity capital raising, debt structuring, senior personnel selection, management reporting, process optimization, financial restructuring and Board composition
Responsible for deal sourcing, resulting in 20 investments (ranging from $10-$85mm), investing over US$ 600 mm
Held executive Director roles (Sierra Metals) and Chairman of the Board (Sociedad Minera Corona) of listed and private mining companies
He worked 3 years in Investment Banking with JPMorgan in its Metals and Mining division, 
Advisor of important strategic and financing transactions on M&A, Debt and Equity for a wide range of clients in the mining and metals industry, including Newmont, Glamis (now Goldcorp), Hochschild, Yamana, Tech Cominco, Phelps Dodge, Gold Reserve, Peñoles, Atacocha and Reliance Steel

Before the MBA worked 2 years in Commercial Banking and 3 years in Equity Research with Banco Wiese Sudameris in Peru (Currently Scotia Bank). 

B.S  from Universidad de Lima in Industrial Engineering, a Master in Finance in ESAN and  M.B.A. from The University of Chicago GSB

Currently serves as an Advisor of Lumni Inc (Education Private Equity Fund) and  Director Grupo Wiese (one of Peru’s largest family office)

Interim CEO,  London Metal Exchange

President - Mining,  Amec Foster Wheeler
Dave Lawson is Amec Foster Wheeler’s President of Mining and has over 35 years of executive management experience in the engineering and construction business in mining and metals. Prior to joining Amec Foster Wheeler, he held similar roles at Ausenco and Aker/Kvaerner over the course of 15 yewith P&L responsibility for mining business lines. His background includes long term assignments both living and working in Chile, US, UK, Australia, India, Greece, South Africa and Brazil. Dave holds an M.Sc. in Project Management from Cranfield University and a B.Sc (Hons) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Aston, Birmingham. 

Minister of Energy and Mines,  Government of Peru

President,  Chinalco China Copper
Mr Wu is the president of China Copper, the general manager of Yunnan Copper Group, and the board chairman of Yunnan Copper Co., Ltd. He was awarded the Super Model Worker of Shanxi province, the Model Worker of Central Enterprises, the National Labor Medal and Outstanding Entrepreneurs of China Nonferrous Metals Industry. Mr Wu has been leaders of Chinalco’s Shanxi branch company, Shanxi Huaze Aluminum Co., Ltd., Shanxi Huasheng Aluminum company, and Chinalco Guangxi branch company. Mr Wu holds a doctor degree and technical title of professor of engineering

Vice-president of Finance & CFO,  Southern Copper

Chief Executive Officer,  Sterlite Copper, Vedanta
Mr. P Ramnath is the Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta’s copper business in Tuticorin, Silvassa and Fujairah, UAE. Prior to joining Vedanta in September 2011, he was the Chief Operating Officer of JK Paper Limited. He has over 30 years of experience across sectors of chemicals, specialty chemicals, manufacturing and paper industries at  Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd, Praxair India, SNF Ion Exchange, Bakelite Hylam Limited and Reliance Industries Limited.  
Mr. Ramnath is a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad and has a Post Graduate Diploma from the Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru.  

El Sr. P Ramnath es el Chief Executive Officer de Vedanta de cobre del negocio en Tuticorin, Silvassa y Fujairah, Emiratos Árabes Unidos. Antes de unirse a la Vedanta en septiembre de 2011, fue el Jefe de Operaciones de JK Paper Limited. Él tiene más de 30 años de experiencia en los sectores de productos químicos, los productos químicos de la especialidad, la fabricación y la industria del papel en el  jubiloso Life Sciences Ltd, Praxair India, SNF, intercambio iónico, baquelita Hylam limitada y Reliance Industries Limited. El Sr. Ramnath es una Licenciatura de Tecnología en Ingeniería Química de la Universidad de Osmania, Hyderabad y tiene un Diploma de Postgrado en el Instituto Indio de Gestión, Bengaluru.  

President,  Boliden Mines
President Boliden Mines, since 2015.

Mikael Staffas has been employed by Boliden since 2011, first as CFO and since 2015 as President, Mines. 

Mikael holds a MSc in Engineering Physics from KTH in Stockholm, and an MBA from INSEAD in France. Before Boliden, Mikael was the CFO of the forestry company Södra and before that partner at McKinsey. 

President,  Lion Consulting Asia Ltd, and Everwell Resources Ltd
Michael Lion is the President of Lion Consulting Asia Ltd., a company that formerly consulted to Sims Metal Management Ltd for 18 years, serving as Chairman of Sims Metal Management Asia. His fifty year career years focused primarily on the global sourcing, marketing and trading of non-ferrous scrap. A pioneer of China and Asian markets consumption of scrap in 1970s, holding roles as an executive, principal and former owner of both international scrap and prime trading and LME ring-dealing organizations. Mr Lion currently serves as chairman of the BIR International Trade Council, (I.T.C.) and as a member of its Advisory board.

President & Chief Executive Officer,  Teck Resources Limited
Don Lindsay joined Teck as President in January 2005, was appointed to the Board in February 2005 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in April 2005. He is a graduate of Queens University (B.Sc., Hons.) and Harvard Business School (M.B.A.). He is currently a director of Manulife Financial Corporation. Mr. Lindsay was employed by CIBC World Markets Inc. (investment banking) from 1985 to 2004 where he was President of CIBC World Markets Inc., Head of Investment and Corporate Banking and Head of the Asia Pacific Region

Don Lindsay se incorporó a Teck en calidad de Presidente en enero de 2005. Fue designado miembro de la Junta en febrero de 2005 y como Director Ejecutivo en abril de 2005. Posee una Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Universidad de Queens (B.Sc., Hons.) y un Magister en Administración de Negocios (M.B.A.) de Harvard Business School. Actualmente, es uno de los directores de Manulife Financial Corporation. El Sr. Lindsay trabajó en CIBC World Markets Inc. (banca de inversiones) desde 1985 hasta 2004, donde desempeñó los cargos de Presidente de CIBC World Markets Inc., Jefe de la Banca de Inversiones y Empresarial y Jefe de la Región del Pacífico Asiático.

Market Analysis and Outreach,  International Copper Association
Colin Bennett, Market Analysis and Outreach, brings a wealth of market intelligence experience to the ICA. For most of his career, Colin has worked in the field of market intelligence, a specialism he turned to after working at the Public Relations firm Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Before joining ICA, Colin worked at the superbrand company Mintel, whose business is providing world-leading market intelligence reports. Through the Market Research Society of Great Britain, of which Colin is an certified member, he maintains and improves his specialist skills set.

Vice President,  BYD Americas
Fred Ni’s role as Vice President is to create, implement and manage long-term and short-term strategic marketing plans for BYD automobile business (electric bus, electric taxi, plug-in hybrid and traditional gasoline vehicle) and renewable energy business (battery energy storage system, solar panel and LED) in North America and South America.

Chief Engineer,  Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group
Li Bin has over 25 years combined experiences in power cable engineering and manufacturing. During this period, he has been working for Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group, one of the top 3 power cable producers in China. In 2016, Mr. Li was awarded the title of “Senior Engineer”. Presently, Mr. Li works as the chief engineer in Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group.

Partner,  The Martec Group

Sandra R. Monahan is a Partner of The Martec Group, Inc., a global technical marketing research consulting firm. Based in the Detroit area, Ms. Monahan operates primarily within the firm’s chemical and materials practice which serves leading manufacturers and suppliers on a global basis through offices in Detroit, Chicago, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Shanghai & Beijing. Ms. Monahan has over 30 years experience in chemical marketing research and consulting with a focus on business intelligence involving market, product & technology opportunity assessments together with channel development and business strategy development. Competitive analyses, benchmarking and marketing due diligence disciplines also form the backbone of numerous assignments. Much of this experience revolves around market development and launch initiatives based on a detailed understanding of competitive positioning, customer values and external forces impacting business strategy.

Owner,  MetalPlus
Paul Dewison is a leading base metals industry consultant, focussing in particular on copper and on downstream markets. He has worked for leading metals consultancies CRU, Brook Hunt, SNL Metals & Mining and BME. In May 2015, Paul formed the company MetalsPlus Research & Consulting. He is best known for his highly granular metals end use research for the International Copper Association and others, mainly on a single client basis.

Senior Technology Analyst,  IDTechEX
Franco Gonzalez is a Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx. He carries out research, analysis and global consulting in the areas of emerging energy storage technologies and advanced energy materials, energy efficiency technologies and electric vehicles. Franco has more than 10 years of experience in global market analysis, strategic relations and consultancy in the areas of emerging energy technologies, sustainability and global manufacturing.
He obtained an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge, where he focused on Sustainable Energy Systems and specifically in Demand Side Management. He has an honors degree
in Chemical Engineering from National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Business Developer,  Shell Cansolv
Ian Craig is originally from Indiana, USA.  Following his undergraduate studies, he served as a US Navy officer, with assignments in Japan, USA, and the UK.  Ian then joined Shell, first in London before relocating to Houston in 2009, where he held commercial leadership roles in downstream supply chain and small-scale liquefied natural gas before joining Shell Cansolv in 2015.  Ian is the Americas Business Development Manager for Shell Cansolv SO2 Capture Technology.  Ian holds an MBA from London Business School and a BA (Government / International Relations) from Cornell University.

Licensing Technology Manager,  Shell Cansolv
At Shell Cansolv, Racha Assaf is the Licensing Technology Manager covering the Americas. She is responsible for developing new business and engineering Shell Cansolv technology solutions for customers in the metallurgical, energy, industrial and power sectors. Throughout Racha’s nearly 10 years of experience, she has lead the delivery of engineering packages for Shell Cansolv’s SO2 and CO2 Capture technologies. Since earning her Chemical Engineering Degree from McGill University, Racha has retained her technical curiosity and appetite for problem-solving and deployment of optimized and sustainable solutions.

Senior Consultant,  CRU
Erik Heimlich is a Senior Consultant in the Copper Market Analysis Team at CRU.  Since joining CRU in 2012, Erik has been involved in the analysis of the copper market with a particular focus on Latin American mine supply. 

Erik regularly undertakes site visits to copper operations around the world.  Erik holds an MSc in Economics and Econometrics from Essex University.

Director of Research,  Cochilco

Jorge Cantallopts is Master in Financial Economics and Economist from the University of Santiago de Chile. 22 years of experience as an economist, of which over 17 have been dedicated to the analysis of the mining sector. From May 2014 to date he is the Director of Research and Public Policies of the Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco), where he once served as Coordinator of Public Policies between 2007 and 2011. 
He previously served as executive director of  MBChile consultant and advisor of the Mining Council. He has worked in areas of study and statistics in the Internal Revenue Service and  the Central Bank of Chile among others institutions.
He is the author of several articles on economics and mining policies, and has been professor of assessment projects, economic theory and market analysis of minerals in different universities in Chile

Senior Consultant,  CRU
Peter Harrisson heads up CRU’s Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid team. He has worked on CRU’s Sulphur/Sulphuric Acid analysis since joining the company in early 2011. He also works across other nutrient areas including both market and cost analysis. Prior to joining CRU he completed a PhD in Industrial Chemistry at Durham University.

Metals Director,  CME Group
Thomas Hart serves as Director, Metals Products for CME Group. He is responsible for growing the company’s precious and base metals business in the Americas.

Prior to joining CME Group in 2017, Hart was a metals trader at Prudential and Jefferies Bache where he managed risk in futures, over-the-counter and investment-grade metals markets. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.