Mike O'Driscoll

MagForum 2017 analyses latest issues and spotlights potential newcomers and markets

Key takeaways

China: supply impact issues to beset 2017-18; controversial trade reforms proposed

New supply sources and capacities: Saudi Arabia (DBM+CCM), Australia, Canada

Refractories: steady growth in steel demand; good cement outlook for certain regions

Market opportunities in hydrometallurgy, flame retardants, environment, cement board, welding, and pulp and paper.

Crazy […]

Oilfield Minerals & Markets Forum 2017 Review

This year there was definitely something to smile about, and we are not just referring those intrepid delegates braving the “bucking bronco” at the Monday reception (more on that later).

The oilfield minerals industry is feeling its way out of the doldrums of 2015/16, as drilling activity recovers, hydraulic fracturing […]

The phrase “building on sand” has an unfortunate ring of reality to those ceramic proppant suppliers striving to attain some purchase on the wave of recovery currently sweeping the North American hydraulic fracturing market today.

Proppant producers and oilfield service companies are enjoying a most buoyant recovery period from the oil price decline doldrums of 2015/16, […]

Nigeria’s barite sector is hoping to enter a new era of development that will enable it to compete more favourably with the dominant and superior quality barite imports.

The Nigerian government recently launched its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, of which one of its main targets is the mining sector, and in particular, the stimulation of […]

The oilfield minerals industry is emerging from the doldrums of 2015/16 with renewed vigour and expectations of rising demand during the next two years at least.

Increased E&P spending and drilling activity in the USA has rejuvenated the market for oilfield minerals such as barite, bentonite, calcium carbonate and proppants.

Outside North America, recovery is less pronounced, […]