- End of Forum
- Asian Metal successfully held the 2nd World Antimony Forum from April 8-9, in Madrid, Spain in which over 70 participants within the antimony market industry from within Europe and overseas attended.
- The forum officially commenced at 9 AM on the Tuesday morning with Scott Yarham, Asian Metal’s Market Analyst giving the opening speech and welcoming everyone to Spain. Without much deliberation the first speaker was announced, which was the Managing director of Campine, Mr Geert Krekel. Mr Krekel talk dived directly into the key issues currently facing the antimony trioxide market, in particular the issue of price fluctuations and the effect that this has on overall demand. After illustrating the overall drop in demand experienced over the last several years following a renewed interest in replacement compounds, Mr Krekel indicated that a fluctuating price level was the sole cause. The talk discussed potential scenarios of the market moving forward and explained certain contingencies that the market may indeed face.
- The following speaker was Mr Jack Bedder, a Senior Analyst for Roskill information services. Mr Bedder provided an insightful and helpful overview of the current antimony market in terms of supply, demand, current projects and challenges facing the market. The discussion swiftly moved on to projections of future growth and opportunities within the antimony market. It was illustrated that there has indeed been some hindrances in the market in terms of demand, however it was clearly shown which downstream markets are indeed expected to experience growth and future opportunities.
- The speaker following Mr Bedder was Mr Don Nicholson, CEO of First Liberty Power Cooperation in America. Mr Nicholson offered a fresh perspective that not many attendees knew much about, that being the challenges and opportunities of antimony mining in America. Mr Nicholson explained the early stages of the project and updates the audience of their current progress and future plans. This discussion addressed the key question of the conference on many participants’ minds, that being- is supply outside of China possible? Mr Nicholson’s discussion was complimented by the next speaker who was Mr Mikhail Fedchik, Finance Director of GPM Chemisource in Russia. Mr Fedchik explained that the current operations within the Russian Market and plans to further expand. An in-depth analysis of the current supply statistics and future growth was presented, illustrating Russia’s potential to be a significant antimony metal supplier moving forward.
- After lunch it was Asian Metal’s very own Annabella who presented on the Overview of Chinese Antimony Market. Issues such as Chinese antimony ore import, the antimony metal and trioxide export quota and volume, important events in Chinese antimony market (for example: industry improvement and rectification, the antimony reserve and antimony list in Fanya) along with Chinese polices to protect antimony due to its scarcity. The following speaker was from the very knowledgeable and perceptive Mr Emin Eyi, Managing Director of Tri-Star Resources. Mr Eyi’s discussion centred around the scarcity of antimony, the issues current facing the market, the future of antimony supply moving forward and projects of interest. The presentation was well received by all those attended largely owing to many points being made that definitely provided food for thought in future discussion of the market.
- The late afternoon witnessed a panel discussion chaired by Mr Charles Swindon, Managing Director of RJH Trading. The panel participants included Mr Emin Eyi previously mentioned, Mr Raymond Devaux , President of Sica, France, and Mr Kohei Yamada, Managing Director of Advanced Material Trading, Japan. The panel discussion lived up to the billing which saw a lively debate surrounding issues of supply coming out of China and in particular the issue of smuggling. The discussion moved around with Mr Swindon conducting a fantastic job of keeping the discussion on point and relevant.
- Following the coffee break the conference was addressed by Karine Van de Velde, Secretary General of the International Antimony Association. Karine’s discussion revolved around the organizations purpose, the benefits of membership and the work currently being conducted. It was also clearly illustrated that antimony is indeed a safe compound, with detailed reports being showcased illustrating this argument. The day ended with a discussion from Mr Christopher Ecclestone, Managing Director of Hallgarten and Company, United Kingdom. Mr Ecclestone is strategist and has been involved in mining financing, project planning and market analysis for an extended period of time. The discussion ranged from current mining projects underway, future developments already in the pipeline and opportunities for further exploration and development. The talk was both insightful and educational on areas many had not considered.
- Asian Metal thanks all sponsors and participants for their support and attending the conference. Asian Metal looks forward to continuing to provide insight and analysis, utilizing our close relationships with many involved the market.
Mr Geert Krekel, Managing Director of Campine
Mr Jack Bedder, Senior Analyst for Roskill Information Services
Coffee Break
Coffee Break
Mr Don Nicholson, CEO of First Liberty Power Cooperation
Mr Mikhail Fedchik, Finance Director of GPM Chemisource in Russia
Mr Emin Eyi, Managing Director of Tri-Star Resources
Panel Discussion （from left to right-Mr Emin Eyi, Managing Director of Tri-Star Resources,Mr Charles Swindon, Managing Director of RJH Trading,Mr Raymond Devaux , President of Sica, France and Mr Kohei Yamada, Managing Director of Advanced Material Trading, Japan）
Ms Karine Van de Velde, Secretary General of the International Antimony Association
Mr Christopher Ecclestone, Managing Director of Hallgarten and Company