BIOGRAPHY

Robert Perlman is Executive Chairman of CRU. In 1969, he founded the company which is now among the leading economic advisory organisations in natural resources. With a network of offices across five continents, CRU employs some 260 staff, mostly consultants and researchers.
Prior to founding CRU, Robert was on the editorial staff of The Economist, focusing mainly on natural resource industries and commodities markets.

Robert has an MA in Economics from Cambridge University and was awarded the Adam Smith Prize. He is joint author of “Resource Conflict in International Relations” published by Oxford University Press for the Royal Institute of International Affairs where he was on the governing council and the finance committee until the 1990s. He chairs the Institute of Archaeo-Metallurgical Studies at University College London which focusses on the role of metals in the development of civilisation.

BIOGRAPHY

Suina Chahuán Kim holds a Degree in Law from the Universidad de Chile, a Diploma in Public Economic Law from the Faculty of Law at the Universidad de Chile and a Diploma in Social Policy from the Faculty of Economics at the same university. She has worked as chief of staff in the Economy, Development and Tourism Ministry, and as a legislative advisor in the National Congress, between 2019 and 2022, in the Education Ministry and in the Financial Analysis Unit at the Treasury Ministry. She has also worked as an associate lawyer in various institutions. She is an independent. 

BIOGRAPHY

Bold became Chief Executive, Copper in February 2021.Previously, Bold was the Chief Executive of our Energy & Minerals (E&M) product group. Through the development of new products and markets, a responsive market approach and the successful divestment of our coal business, Bold helped drive the optimisation of our portfolio with a focus on a low carbon future and in doing so, helped generate significant shareholder value. He also re-energised the Group’s focus on Africa and drove the development of Rio Tinto Ventures, which focuses on assessing growth opportunities in the minerals and metals of the future.Bold joined Rio Tinto in May 2013 as president of Copper International Operations. He earlier held executive positions with a diversified investment management business, a gold mining company in his home country of Mongolia and as an investment banker with JP Morgan in New York and London. He was the chairman of the Mongolian Stock Exchange from 2010-12 and chairman of the Mongolian Mining Association from 2012-14.

BIOGRAPHY

Brandon Craig joined BHP in 1999 and has previously held Aluminium, Corporate and Coalleadership roles and brings over 20 years’ experience driving transformational change andoperational excellence. In his role as Asset President Western Australia Iron Ore, Brandon Craighas demonstrated his ability to deliver strong performance across an integrated business ofmines, rail and port operations.

BIOGRAPHY

Jeremy Weir became Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trafigura in April 2018. This follows his appointment as CEO of the company in March 2014 after a career spanning nearly three decades in commodity and commodity derivative markets.

An Australian national, Jeremy joined the Trafigura Group in 2001 as head of metals derivatives, structured products and risk management. Immediately prior to becoming CEO he served as a Management Board Director, Head of Risk and CEO of Galena Asset Management and Trafigura Mining Group.

Before Trafigura, Jeremy spent nearly nine years between 1992 and 2000 with NM Rothschild. Jeremy holds a BSc (Hons), Geology Major, from the University of Melbourne.

BIOGRAPHY

Ruben Alvarado Vigar became the Chief Executive Officer of Code/co in September 2023. He is a Chemical Civil Engineer who graduated from University of Chile and has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Chile and Tulane University from New Orleans, United States. Ruben Alvarado has 20 years of experience linked to El Teniente Division of Code/co, where he became its general manager. A year after graduating from the University of Chile, he joined Code/co as a Smelter Engineer, where he worked for nine years, between 1984 and 1993, participating in technological developments such as the Teniente Converter and the Slag Cleaning Furnace, among others. From 1994 to 2000 he was smelter manager at Caletones Smelter. In 2000 he was appointed general manager of El Teniente Division, where he served until 2004. During this period, Teniente Development Plan was built and launched, a set of mining, technological and management projects, which reversed the expected drop in productivity. Due to the exhaustion of some sectors, they expanded production capacity and maximized divisional surpluses. After his first stage in Code/co, he became CEO of the Empresa Portuaria de San Antonio between 2004 and 2005. E+M VP of LAN Airlines between 2007 and 2012. CEO of Alsacia & Express between 2012 and 2013. He was CEO of Metro of Santiago between 2014 and 2022. He has also been a member of the board at Acci6n Empresas and America Solidaria NGO.

BIOGRAPHY

Jonathan Price was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Teck on November 1, 2023, and has been a member of Teck’s Board of Directors since July 26, 2022.

Previously, Mr. Price was Chief Executive Officer, having been appointed to that role in September 2022. He has also held the roles of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Price joined Teck in October 2020 and brings extensive experience in the resources sector through a variety of finance, commercial and business development roles spanning Europe, Asia and Australia, with a focus on strategy, transformational change and business improvement.

Prior to joining Teck, Mr. Price was employed by BHP from 2006 to 2020 where he was Chief Transformation Officer, Vice President Finance and Vice President Investor Relations working in Asia, Australia and the UK. He has also worked in the Metals and Mining team at ABN AMRO Bank and held various production and technical roles with INCO.

Mr. Price holds a Master of Engineering (Honours) in Metallurgy and Materials Science from the University of Oxford and a Master of Business Administration from Cardiff University.

BIOGRAPHY

imon has over two decades of experience in the natural resources sector and has worked across all parts of the mining value chain in both operational and corporate leadership roles.He is the Head of CRU’s Base Metals division, a global team delivering macro-to-micro data, analysis and insight across 14 of the sector’s most critical metals.  Delivering market intelligence comprising detailed asset performance through to global industry trends and the latest cutting-edge emissions data, Simon’s team is helping to support some of our customers’ biggest decisions.Before joining CRU, Simon worked at Shell and Rio Tinto in senior strategy, M&A, investment analysis and corporate affairs roles; led the Metals division at a B2B market intelligence company; and most recently was Chief of Staff leading strategy and corporate affairs departments at a commodity trader. Simon holds an MSc in International Strategy & Diplomacy from LSE and a Bachelor of Commerce from Edinburgh University.

BIOGRAPHY

Simon Collins has been the Chief Development Officer at South32 since 2018. He is responsible for Greenfields Exploration, Corporate Development, Brazil Alumina, Brazil Aluminium, Sierra Gorda and the Hermosa project. He also represents South32 on the Board of Directors of Ambler Metals LLC.   Simon has nearly 30 years of experience in the resources industry in senior leadership, commercial and business development roles. Before joining South32, he worked for BHP for more than a decade, providing leadership to commercial and business development teams in Australia, Africa and the Americas. He began his career in mine operations initially in Australia and then South Africa.   Simon holds a Master of Business Administration from London Business School and a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) from the University of New South Wales.

BIOGRAPHY

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 February 2015. In April 2016, he was appointed CEO of Antofagasta plc, the holding company of Antofagasta Mining Group. Mr Arriagadais a Commercial Engineer, graduate of 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 ChiefFinancial 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.


Iván Arriagada ingresa al Grupo Minero Antofagasta Mineral S.A, empresa chilena inscrita en el London Stock Exchange y constituyente del Indice FTSE 100 en febrero de 2015. En abril de 2016, es designado Presidente Ejecutivo de Antofagasta PLC, empresa controladora del Grupo. Iván es Ingeniero Comercial, graduado de la Escuela de Negocios Adolfo Ibáñez de la Universidad Federico Santa María. Posee un Masters en Ciencias del London School of Economics. Antes de unirse a Antofagasta Minerals, ocupó el cargo de Vice Presidente de Finanzas de Codelco, Presidente de Pampa Norte de BHP Billiton Metales, Vice Presidente de Operaciones de Metales Base de BHP Billiton y Vice Presidente de Cobre de BHP Billiton. Previamente trabajó en la industria del petróleo y gas en el Royal Dutch Shell International, ocupando diversos puestos en finanzas y desarrollo de negocios , principalmente en Inglaterra , EE.UU. y Argentina.

BIOGRAPHY

Ailie MacAdam is president of Bechtel’s Mining & Metals global business unit. Based in Brisbane, Australia, she is responsible for all aspects of the business unit’s worldwide portfolio.

Throughout her more than 35 years with Bechtel, Ailie has held a succession of senior executive leadership, operational, and general management positions.

Before leading the Mining & Metals business, she served most recently as the global operations manager for Bechtel’s Infrastructure business.  

Ailie has extensive expertise and experience managing complex transportation and civil infrastructure megaprojects in Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., in addition to oil, gas, and chemicals projects in Europe and Africa.

Ailie holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Bradford University in the U.K. and is a fellow of the U.K. Institution of Civil Engineers. She is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) ambassador and a champion of diversity and inclusivity.

In 2008, Ailie received the Institution of Civil Engineers’ “inspirational leader” award recognizing women in the built environment, and in 2016, Ailie was named as one of the Top 50 Influential Women in Engineering by the Women’s Engineering Society. In 2017, she was also recognized with an Outstanding Personal Contribution Award at the Rail Industry Association National Rail Awards.

Ailie is a senior vice president and was elected to the Bechtel board of directors in 2022.

BIOGRAPHY

Harish Jammula is the President of Fluor’s Mining and Metals business line. Based in Greenville, he is responsible for the business units global portfolio. Harish joined Fluor in 1991 as a piping engineer in their New Delhi office. Since joining Fluor, Harish has held a progressive succession of roles in engineering, project management and executive business line operations. Prior to his current role he was instrumental in creating the GM&F (Global metals and Fertilizers) segment of Fluor M&M. Harish holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering from the University of Bangalore, India.

BIOGRAPHY

Karthik Valluru is a Managing Director & Partner with the Atlanta office of the Boston Consulting Group. Karthik has extensive work experience advising clients across the materials and process industries sector including metals, mining, building materials, chemicals, and agribusiness. He is a member of the firm’s global Industrial Goods leadership team and leads the materials & process industries sector, globally. Karthik is also actively involved in the Atlanta community as a board member of the Metro Atlanta Y and working with several non-profits as part of BCG’s Social Impact practice. Karthik Valluru holds an MBA from The Indian School of Business where he was on the Dean's List. He is also a qualified Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

BIOGRAPHY

As head of the FLSmidth mining service offerings Josh is focused on transforming FLSmidth into a company that sees Service as the core of our business. This means that everything we do begins and ends with a focus on how we create sustainable, lifecycle solutions for our customers that result in mutual financial, operational, and sustainability benefits. Josh holds an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and a cv including leading positions in Genie/Terex, Metso, and Caterpillar. 

Como presidente de las ofertas de servicios mineros de FLSmidth, Josh está enfocado en transformar a FLSmidth en una empresa que ve el Servicio como el corazón de nuestro negocio. Esto significa que todo lo que hacemos inicia y termina con un enfoque en cómo creamos soluciones sustentables y de ciclo de vida completo para nuestros clientes, además de que estas se traduzcan en beneficios mutuos en los aspectos financieros, operacionales y de sustentabilidad. Josh posee un MBA entregado por la Escuela de Negocios UNC Kenan-Flagler y su trayectoria profesional incluye posiciones de liderazgo en Genie/Terex, Metso y Caterpillar. Joshua nació en el año 1975 en los Estados Unidos.  

BIOGRAPHY

Mike Placer is the Sector Lead for Mining, Minerals, and Materials at Worley's Americas. He has over two decades of leadership and management consultancy experience in Mining, Metals, and Manufacturing and has worked with some of the biggest mining companies in many countries across the globe. His areas of expertise include Technology Transformation, Operational Excellence, Strategy, and Change Management. Imagine a world where the mining industry is at the forefront of the Green Energy Transition. A world where we can look to this industry as the stewards of a sustainable future. This vision inspires his passion and drives his work.

BIOGRAPHY

Professor Rick Valenta leads research aimed at improving the discovery,  mining and processing of hydrothermal ore deposits.  His areas of focus include structural geology, geophysics and ore deposit geology, with an overall theme of better understanding the underlying processes which lead to the localisation and characteristics of these deposits.  Rick also has a strong focus on development of 4D mineral systems models from deposit to region scales, using these models to improve targeting techniques, better formulate geological and resource models, and inform prediction of mineral processing performance.

BIOGRAPHY

JT leads Veracio's strategy and growth trajectory in helping extractive industries dig deeper into their data. A Former Managing Director & Partner at BCG JT served as BCG's global mining leader where he developed a rich background in advanced analytics in operational environments, traditional operations excellence and transformations in extractive industries, primarily Mining, and Oil/Gas. JT received his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a focus on Strategic Management and Finance & also holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Utah.

BIOGRAPHY

Ernest Scheyder is a senior correspondent for Reuters covering the energy transition and the minerals that undergird it. He is also the author of The War Below: Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power our Lives, which debuted in January 2024. He previously covered the U.S. shale oil revolution, politics, and the environment, and held roles at the Associated Press and the Bangor Daily News. A native of Maine, Scheyder is a graduate of the University of Maine and Columbia Journalism School.

BIOGRAPHY

Juan Brihet joined CRU in march 2022 as a Senior Consultant for the Santiago's office in Chile. He is an agricultural engineer with postgraduate studies and more than 10 years of experience in the agricultural sector and related industries. Prior to join CRU he worked in the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange in Argentina as Head of Technological Prospective and Research. He managed several projects related to agricultural technologies, mainly oriented to soil nutrition and fertilizers, sustainability and environmental practices. He has also conducted a NGO with more than 95 public and private institutions, being responsible for numerous projects on different value chains, such as meat, dairy, cereals and oilseeds, fertilizers and chemicals, among other industries.His interest lies in project management, research and corporate networking.

BIOGRAPHY

Krisztina is the Managing Partner of DMM Advisory Group, an international management consultancy providing strategy, commercial and technical consulting services for the metals, mining and diamond sectors. Krisztina has gathered over 20 years expertise in strategy and management consulting. Her commodity focus has been copper and steel raw materials with focus on nickel. She developed and led a number of relevant projects including strategy development, custom-made market investigation and outlook, evaluation of material movements, value chain study, market entry analysis, project evaluation, and due diligence. Her list of clients includes several mining majors, metal producers, junior mining companies, investors, and sector bodies. She has a Bachelor degree from the University of Cologne, Germany, and an MBA from NYU Stern Business School New York, USA. She regularly speaks at international conferences.

BIOGRAPHY

Charlie Murrah is Executive Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Southwire Company. With responsibility for all of Southwire’s purchasing and supply functions, he also oversees our Metals Group which sources and manages the company’s metal position, serves aluminum and copper OEM rod markets, and sells Southwire continuous rod systems (SCR) globally.

Murrah began his career with Southwire in 1984 as an industrial engineer in the Carrollton Utility Products Plant. He subsequently held numerous positions in the company’s engineering, manufacturing, metals, supply chain and sales organizations, serving most recent as the president of the company’s Power Systems & Solutions Group.The Carrollton native is a graduate of Carrollton High School and a 1984 graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He is a Georgia registered professional engineer and a certified production and inventory manager. He serves on the advisory board for Georgia Tech’s College of Industrial Engineering, and is a current board member of the Carrollton City School’s Education Foundation and the Aluminum Association. In 1996, he was inducted into the Council of Outstanding Young Engineering Alumni of Georgia Tech.

BIOGRAPHY

Ernest Scheyder is a senior correspondent for Reuters covering the energy transition and the minerals that undergird it. He is also the author of The War Below: Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power our Lives, which debuted in January 2024. He previously covered the U.S. shale oil revolution, politics, and the environment, and held roles at the Associated Press and the Bangor Daily News. A native of Maine, Scheyder is a graduate of the University of Maine and Columbia Journalism School.

BIOGRAPHY

As the Chief Operating Officer, Hillary is responsible for managing the quality, credibility, and robustness of the Copper Mark Assurance Framework.  She also ensures the organization reaches its intended impact by overseeing the monitoring and evaluation system.  Hillary has both strategic and operational experience in the field of corporate social responsibility throughout supply chains and across industries.  She has held positions at the Responsible Business Alliance, consulting fortune 500 companies on corporate social responsibility, and in various international human rights organizations.  She holds a law degree with a certificate in international human rights from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy and Italian Studies from Tufts University.

BIOGRAPHY

As President of SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS™ , Kurt Breischaft leads a high­performing team that continually drives efficiencies and innovates quality products. Kurt has worked in the copper industry for more than 25 years, building expertise in numerous roles from engineering to management to new product development. "The dedication and innovation I've seen from our team at COPPERWORKS™ over the last 8 years has been truly remarkable. Working together with our partners Steel Dynamics and La Farga, we have made extraordinary strides in manufacturing our Infinity™ fire-refined copper products. In 2020, we bought our new furnace online to produce Elemental™ electrolytic tough pitch copper products, and our team has gone to the next level.

BIOGRAPHY

Liu Wei, Vice President of China non-ferrous metals industry association recycling metal branch. He has long been engaged in sectors related to non-ferrous metals, comprehensive utilization of resources, and circular economy. He is also experienced in possessing & operation management, industrial macro research, policy design suggestions, project planning consultation, project operation and construction, and enterprise operation management among other areas. Liu successively led and participated in the drafting and formulation of research topics, cooperation projects, and standards and regulations in the fields of metal recycling, comprehensive utilization of resources, clean production, and energy conservation and consumption reduction under China’s National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

刘巍，中国有色金属工业协会再生金属分会副会长。长期从事于有色金属、资源综合利用与循环经济相关行业，在产业宏观研究、政策设计建议、工程规划咨询、项目运作建设和企业运营管理等方面有较为丰富的实际操作和管理经验。先后主导和参与了国家发改委、工信部、生态环境部等多项再生金属回收利用、资源综合利用、清洁生产和节能降耗领域的研究课题、合作项目、标准规范的起草和编制工作。

BIOGRAPHY

Leonardo joined CRU in April 2023 as CRU's Smelting and Refining Lead, developing and implementing the copper, nickel, zinc smelting and refining cost models, collecting and forecasting production and cost data for smelting and refining operations primarily focusing on the copper, nickel and zinc industries.

He also conducts bottom-up analyses of the cost structure and performs top-down reconciliation of costs from information found in company financial and technical reports. In addition, he produces analysis on short and long-run marginal costs; operational competitiveness; project evaluation; industry cost structure; asset valuation; and how costs influence metal prices at different stages in the economic cycle.Leonardo is a Chemical and Environmental Engineer with 15 years of working experience in the copper mining industry.

Starting in data analysis operation in smelting processes as a Process Control Engineer and then as Plant Manager for oxygen, air, and water supply at Chagres Copper Smelter in Chile. Then he joined Wood Mackenzie as a copper smelting and refining cost analyst and, before working for CRU, he worked for Codelco as a business intelligence analyst for copper markets.

BIOGRAPHY

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 five plus years career has focused primarily on the global sourcing, marketing and trading of non-ferrous scrap. A initial pioneer of China and Asian markets consumption of scrap in 1970s, and holding roles as an executive, principal and former owner of both international scrap and prime trading and LME ring-dealing organizations. Michael currently serves as chairman of the BIR International Trade Council, (I.T.C.) and as a member of its Advisory board.  

BIOGRAPHY

Robert Edwards has twenty years of experience in the metals and mining industry. Between 1996 and 2004 worked at CRU focusing on the specialty steel and associated 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.

Robert Edwards cuenta con veinte años de experiencia en la industria de minería y metales. Entre 1996 y 2004, se desempeñó en CRU, con un enfoque en los sectores de aceros especiales y materiales asociados. Posteriormente, fue economista del grupo en el productor de acero Corus / Tata Steel Europe, en Londres. En 2007, Robert volvió a CRU, donde trabajó en una variedad de proyectos para clientes individuales en relación con el acero y la materia prima para la industria del acero. En 2010, asumió el cargo de la investigación de productos planos de acero en Norteamérica para CRU, con responsabilidad editorial de las publicaciones insignia de la empresa, Steel Sheet Monitor y Market Outlook.

En noviembre de 2012, Robert asumió la responsabilidad del desarrollo de costos de la minería de cobre en la unidad de metales base de CRU. Luego de tres años y medio de éxito en este cargo, cambió a un nuevo puesto en la primera mitad de 2016, con responsabilidad de la demanda y mercados globales de cobre.

BIOGRAPHY

Chenfei is Head of CRU's Wire and Cable team, and works across the full portfolio of products analysing key trends and developments in both the metallic wire and cable, and optical fibre industries.

He is a Principal Analyst and also the current editors of CRU's Telecom Cables Market Outlook and Optical Fibre and Cable Monitor.

Chenfei joined CRU in early 2019 as an Analyst within the Wire and Cable team. At CRU, Chenfei held various editorship roles including Wire and Cable Market Outlook and HV and EHV Cables Market Outlook. Prior to CRU, Chenfei was working at Rolls-Royce in a variety of engineering leadership roles, with a focus on aeroengine technology development and manufacturing process improvement.

He holds an MSc in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering from Imperial College London, and a BEng (Hons) in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the University of Auckland. Chenfei spent 3.5 years in CRU London office and he is now based in CRU Shanghai office.

BIOGRAPHY

Duncan Hobbs brings 30 years of experience to his London-based role as director of market research for all non-ferrous metals and related materials, including copper, traded by Concord Resources Ltd. Previously he managed an international team of senior staff delivering non-ferrous metals and bulk commodities market research at Noble Group, based in Singapore. Underlying these positions with physical traders, Mr Hobbs’ previous experience includes commodities market research and business development roles in financial services with Macquarie Bank; mining and metal production with Nyrstar; engineering services with Hatch; and independent research with CRU, where he was a member of the steel team. He began his career in dry bulk shipping market research with Drewry in London.

BIOGRAPHY

Nicholas Snowdon is the head of industrial metals research in the Global Investment Research Commodities team. He publishes research on these respective commodity markets in the context of strategies for both investors and corporate risk management. He has worked in the sector for over a decade at a number of financial institutions in both London and New York prior to joining Goldman Sachs in 2020. Nicholas earned an MSc in Development Economics and Finance from SOAS (University of London), and a BA in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Durham.

BIOGRAPHY

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 five plus years career has focused primarily on the global sourcing, marketing and trading of non-ferrous scrap. A initial pioneer of China and Asian markets consumption of scrap in 1970s, and holding roles as an executive, principal and former owner of both international scrap and prime trading and LME ring-dealing organizations. Michael currently serves as chairman of the BIR International Trade Council, (I.T.C.) and as a member of its Advisory board.  

BIOGRAPHY

Roland Harings has been Chairman of the Executive Board of Aurubis AG since July 2019. Between 2014 and 2019, he was the CEO of MKM, a leading producer of semi-finished copper products, which was restructured and successfully sold in the beginning of 2019 to the KME Group. Most of his career, from 1995 until 2014, he worked for the global aluminum producer Alcan, later renamed Novelis in various key positions including General Manager of the Swiss aluminium rolling plant in Sierre and as VP Global Automotive leading the global expansion. Roland Harings has graduated in mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen.

BIOGRAPHY

Mohsen Banaei Fard is a seasoned professional with 20 years of international experience in the metals and mining industry. Currently serving as the Global Category Lead at NKT Group, a prominent cable solutions company dedicated to the green transition, Mohsen oversees the supply of metals for NKT operations worldwide. Prior to his current role at NKT, Mohsen held diverse technical and commercial positions across the metal value chain, spanning exploration, business development, commercial activities, and procurement. Notably, he contributed to companies like Rio Tinto and Boliden Mohsen holds a degree in mining engineering and a Master's degree in industrial management and economics. His professional focus centers on sustainable metal supply, where he formulates long-term strategic collaborations aimed at the decarbonization of the value chain.

BIOGRAPHY

Tolga Egrilmezer is Group Head of Sales & Marketing at Rio Tinto. He is accountable for the company’s revenue line through sales, marketing and trading across commodities including iron ore, aluminium, copper, minerals, and battery materials.  Throughout his career, Tolga has accumulated extensive global executive leadership experience across various areas, including Corporate Strategy, Business Development, Operations as well as Procurement and Research & Development.

BIOGRAPHY

Luis A. Vega Muñoz has a diverse experience in a variety of industries such as mining, retail and petroleum products distribution with a strong background in Operations Research. He has extensive expertise in the implementation of complex I.T. projects with the ability to develop strong and enduring business relationships with strategic mining and construction equipment suppliers. He maintains a constant awareness of the latest innovations in the development of technologies for implementation in day to day operations

BIOGRAPHY

Jorge Riesco is a lawyer with a degree in Law granted by Universidad Católica, Chile. He has been member of the board of Chile Calidad and the Commission of Unemployment Insurance Users on behalf of the CPC. He was Director of OTIC Proforma and Director of Empresa Nacional de Minería, ENAMI, appointed by SONAMI. He is currently Vice president of the Board of Chile Valora and President of the National Mining Society (SONAMI).

BIOGRAPHY

Erik Heimlich is Head of Base Metals Supply 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 and is based in CRU’s Santiago office.

BIOGRAPHY

Fiona Clouder has wide experience of Latin America, as a senior diplomat and now in the private sector, including on mining, energy and environment and associated geopolitics. Fiona was the UK´s Ambassador to Chile (2014-2018) and then Regional Ambassador, Latin America and Caribbean, COP26 (2020-2022), driving engagement with governments and business for a Net Zero world. Her current work includes Senior Advisor to Appian Capital Advisory - a leading investor in metals, mining and infrastructure;  Director, Chilean Cobalt Corporation; The Ambassador Partnership; Deheza; Distinguished Fellow of RUSI; Chairman of the Anglo Chilean Society; and Board member of Canning House.

BIOGRAPHY

Joe Garofoli is Founder and CEO of Roc Global, a NYC-headquartered financial advisory business specialized in the Mining and Clean Energy sectors. Joe and his team have attained expertise in base and precious, industrial and specialty metals and minerals-including in-depth experience financing copper and other critical mineral projects. Roc Global has closed multiple transactions in Chile and other jurisdictions, providing M&A, strategic equity and debt advisory services.

Before founding the firm in 2011, Joe led KBC Financial Products derivatives businesses after managing D.E. Shaw & Co.’s global equity-linked securities business in New York. Prior, he was President of Cresvale International. Joe serves on the board of Astrea Farnihas e Olios, a Brazilian agricultural recycling business.

BIOGRAPHY

Emil Kalinowski's research focuses on how socioeconomic and geopolitical trends affect the supply, demand, and price of precious and base metals. His present focus is on the malfunction of the monetary system in 2007 and how its continuing disorder has impacted commodity prices, macroeconomic trends and long-term country risks. 

BIOGRAPHY

Chemical Engineer with wide-ranging business experience within minerals and mining, starting as a Process and Proposals Engineer for a multinational OEM, now working in Market Intelligence for CRU.

BIOGRAPHY

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

BIOGRAPHY

Emil Kalinowski's research focuses on how socioeconomic and geopolitical trends affect the supply, demand, and price of precious and base metals. His present focus is on the malfunction of the monetary system in 2007 and how its continuing disorder has impacted commodity prices, macroeconomic trends and long-term country risks. 

BIOGRAPHY

Chemical Engineer with wide-ranging business experience within minerals and mining, starting as a Process and Proposals Engineer for a multinational OEM, now working in Market Intelligence for CRU.

BIOGRAPHY

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

BIOGRAPHY

Motoki (Mick) Makita is responsible for managing the global copper cathode book of Mitsui & Co. Motoki has over two decades of experience trading primary aluminium, secondary aluminium, and copper cathode and has good connections and relationships with end-users in China and the Asian region, and suppliers in the global market. He also worked as an expat in Moscow, Russia(2010-2013) and London, U.K.(2017-2020) and has much experience in the global mining sector. He completed the general management program at the Harvard Business School in 2018.

BIOGRAPHY

Robert Edwards has twenty years of experience in the metals and mining industry. Between 1996 and 2004 worked at CRU focusing on the specialty steel and associated 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.

Robert Edwards cuenta con veinte años de experiencia en la industria de minería y metales. Entre 1996 y 2004, se desempeñó en CRU, con un enfoque en los sectores de aceros especiales y materiales asociados. Posteriormente, fue economista del grupo en el productor de acero Corus / Tata Steel Europe, en Londres. En 2007, Robert volvió a CRU, donde trabajó en una variedad de proyectos para clientes individuales en relación con el acero y la materia prima para la industria del acero. En 2010, asumió el cargo de la investigación de productos planos de acero en Norteamérica para CRU, con responsabilidad editorial de las publicaciones insignia de la empresa, Steel Sheet Monitor y Market Outlook.

En noviembre de 2012, Robert asumió la responsabilidad del desarrollo de costos de la minería de cobre en la unidad de metales base de CRU. Luego de tres años y medio de éxito en este cargo, cambió a un nuevo puesto en la primera mitad de 2016, con responsabilidad de la demanda y mercados globales de cobre.

BIOGRAPHY

Alice is responsible for analysis of base-metal markets, with a primary focus on copper, zinc and lead. She joined Macquarie in June 2021 having previously worked at CRU for three years as a Principal Analyst covering zinc and lead supply and long-term copper pricing. Prior to this, Alice spent 14 years at Anglo American in strategy, business-development and analytical roles within the Base Metals business, focused on development of the asset portfolio and supply-side analysis. Alice holds a PhD, MA and BA in Materials Science & Metallurgy from the University of Cambridge.

BIOGRAPHY

Laura is the Head of Commodity Strategy, Copper & Potash at BHP. Laura has over 15 years’ experience in resources, strategic marketing, M&A, capital project development and environmental, social and governance strategy. She has worked across Australia, Asia and the Americas to deliver major capital projects, establish investment enabling joint ventures, and enable sustainable solutions for all stakeholders. Laura is happiest in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment and is firm believer in the critical role of business in enabling an energy transition and sustainable future. She has board experience in the education, technology, and natural resources sectors. Originally from Australia, Laura received her Bachelor of Arts/Law from the University of Queensland and has an Executive MBA from INSEAD.

BIOGRAPHY

Erik Heimlich is Head of Base Metals Supply 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 and is based in CRU’s Santiago office.

BIOGRAPHY

Motoki (Mick) Makita is responsible for managing the global copper cathode book of Mitsui & Co. Motoki has over two decades of experience trading primary aluminium, secondary aluminium, and copper cathode and has good connections and relationships with end-users in China and the Asian region, and suppliers in the global market. He also worked as an expat in Moscow, Russia(2010-2013) and London, U.K.(2017-2020) and has much experience in the global mining sector. He completed the general management program at the Harvard Business School in 2018.

BIOGRAPHY

Robert Edwards has twenty years of experience in the metals and mining industry. Between 1996 and 2004 worked at CRU focusing on the specialty steel and associated 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.

Robert Edwards cuenta con veinte años de experiencia en la industria de minería y metales. Entre 1996 y 2004, se desempeñó en CRU, con un enfoque en los sectores de aceros especiales y materiales asociados. Posteriormente, fue economista del grupo en el productor de acero Corus / Tata Steel Europe, en Londres. En 2007, Robert volvió a CRU, donde trabajó en una variedad de proyectos para clientes individuales en relación con el acero y la materia prima para la industria del acero. En 2010, asumió el cargo de la investigación de productos planos de acero en Norteamérica para CRU, con responsabilidad editorial de las publicaciones insignia de la empresa, Steel Sheet Monitor y Market Outlook.

En noviembre de 2012, Robert asumió la responsabilidad del desarrollo de costos de la minería de cobre en la unidad de metales base de CRU. Luego de tres años y medio de éxito en este cargo, cambió a un nuevo puesto en la primera mitad de 2016, con responsabilidad de la demanda y mercados globales de cobre.

BIOGRAPHY

Erik Heimlich is Head of Base Metals Supply 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 and is based in CRU’s Santiago office.

BIOGRAPHY

Alice is responsible for analysis of base-metal markets, with a primary focus on copper, zinc and lead. She joined Macquarie in June 2021 having previously worked at CRU for three years as a Principal Analyst covering zinc and lead supply and long-term copper pricing. Prior to this, Alice spent 14 years at Anglo American in strategy, business-development and analytical roles within the Base Metals business, focused on development of the asset portfolio and supply-side analysis. Alice holds a PhD, MA and BA in Materials Science & Metallurgy from the University of Cambridge.

BIOGRAPHY

Chemical Engineer with wide-ranging business experience within minerals and mining, starting as a Process and Proposals Engineer for a multinational OEM, now working in Market Intelligence for CRU.

BIOGRAPHY

Emil Kalinowski's research focuses on how socioeconomic and geopolitical trends affect the supply, demand, and price of precious and base metals. His present focus is on the malfunction of the monetary system in 2007 and how its continuing disorder has impacted commodity prices, macroeconomic trends and long-term country risks.