Mohanasundaram Natarajan

Business Head - Strategic & Precious Metals
Kutch Copper Ltd, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd

Mohanasundaram Natarajan brings over 30 years of experience in operations, project management, and strategic development within the precious metals industry. He currently oversees the company’s activities in Singapore and Peru, with a focus on procurement, refining, and international trading of precious metal concentrates. Prior to his current role, he led multiple cross-border initiatives in metals procurement, refinery operations, and business intelligence. His responsibilities have included strategic planning for SPM, mergers and acquisitions involving both stock and geological assets, and the integration of operational technologies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and has completed advanced management training focused on global supply chains and commodities trading.

Nicholas Snowdon

Head of Metals and Mining Research
Mercuria Energy Trading

Nicholas Snowdon heads the metals and mining research at Mercuria Energy Trading. He brings 17 years of experience in the commodity trading industry previous that, most recently working at Goldman Sachs as a Managing Director, Head of Metals Research. Previously, he was with Deutsche Bank as Director, Base Metals and Bulks Strategist for 2 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Durham and a Master’s degree in Development Economics and Finance from the London University, School of Oriental and African Studies. 

Paul White

Secretary-General
International Copper Study Group (ICSG)

Paul White is Secretary General of the International Copper, Nickel and Lead and Zinc Study Groups all of which are based in Lisbon, Portugal. These Groups are intergovernmental organisations whose main purpose is to improve transparency in the global base metal markets and promote co­ operation between governments and the mining and metals industry. 
Before joining the Study Groups Paul worked as a physical metals trader in London. He has degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from the Universities of Surrey and Warwick in England.

Tim Kurth

COO – Custom Smelting & Products
Aurubis AG

Tim Kurth is a logistics specialist from the University of Applied Sciences in Friedberg, Germany. He began his career at Unilever (1990–2001) as Director of Export, gaining experience in business planning, purchasing, accounting, and customer service. He continued his career at Numico, where until 2004 he held the position of Division Manager Logistics for the Milupa and Pulmoll brands, primarily focusing on planning and supplying raw materials for the company’s operations. From 2004 to 2006, he lived and worked in Opole, Poland, as Supply Chain Manager. In the same year, he joined NA Cumerio (the former name of Aurubis) as Vice President of Corporate Logistics. Between 2009 and 2013, he also held the corporate position of Manager of Innovations within the group.  
Since 2014, Tim Kurth has served as Executive Director and Vice President of Aurubis Bulgaria, and since 2015, he has been the President of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.  
He was appointed to the Executive Board of Aurubis AG as Chief Operations Officer for Custom Smelting and Products, effective September 1, 2024.

Erik Heimlich

Head of Copper and Zinc, Base Metals
CRU

Erik Heimlich is Head of Copper and Zinc at CRU and works across the portfolio of products analysing key trends and developments in these industries.Since joining CRU in 2012, Erik has been particularly involved in the analysis of the copper market with a particular focus on Latin American mine supply and the global copper concentrates market.Erik holds an MSc in Economics and Econometrics from Essex University and is based in CRU's Santiago office.

Craig Lang

Principal Analyst, Base Metals
CRU

Craig brings to CRU more than 15 years' experience as a commodity and equity research analyst, primarily covering the mining and metals sector.

In addition to base metals, he has also covered other sectors during his career including steel and chemicals. Craig's previous roles include working for Moelis & Company, Citigroup, Credit Suisse and WMC Resources and his extensive experience will strengthen CRU's coverage and service to our customers in the base metal markets.

Craig's primary focus will be the copper, nickel, lead and zinc industries. Craig is based in CRU's Singapore office. 

Julia Du

Senior Commodities Strategist
ICBC Standard Bank

Julia Du currently serves as a Senior Commodity Strategist at ICBC Standard Bank, focusing on in­ depth research and analysis in the base metals, precious metals, and energy sectors. She provides macro, fundamental, and technical analysis of the metals market for both internal and external clients. Prior to joining ICBC Standard Bank, Julia worked as a Senior Analyst at the renowned UK­ based metal consultancy CRU International for seven years, where she gained valuable insights into the metals market, developed strong data analysis skills, and acquired a deep understanding of the global commodity market. Julia possesses exceptional expertise in the metals industry and has participated in multiple international industry conferences, delivering presentations that have further solidified her professional reputation in the field. She holds a Master's degree in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and a Master's degree in Public Policy from King's College London, providing her with a solid academic foundation and a broader global perspective.
In addition to her professional achievements, Julia is dedicated to charitable work. She has volunteered for UNICEF and several other non-governmental organisations, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact on the community.

Sharon Ding

Executive Director, China Basic Materials Analyst
UBS

Sharon Ding is a China Basic Materials Analyst. Sharon has 10 years’ experience in Equity Research and has been a member of top-ranked franchises for Basic Materials/EV Battery Supply Chain Research. UBS China basic materials team ranked No.3 in 2022 Asia II. Prior to basic materials role, Sharon was a Materials & Consumer Analyst for UBS China 360 Research, a new evidence-based thematic research offering from UBS. Prior to UBS, Sharon worked in Deutsche Bank.