Mike O'Driscoll

About Mike O'Driscoll

Mike has over 30 years experience in the international mining and minerals industry, specialising in industrial minerals and markets, for which he is widely recognised as a leading expert. After serving 26 years at Industrial Minerals (IM) magazine – 17 years as Editor – Mike left IM in 2014 to pursue an independent career in the industrial minerals business, and launched IMFORMED in January 2015 with Ismene Clarke. Read more >

BPM to divest perlite business & focus on zeolite market

Unique NZ perlite operation for sale amid limited world sources Blue Pacific Minerals Ltd, New Zealand, is looking to sell its perlite extraction and processing division as it focuses on its zeolite business. Title picture: BPM’s perlite mine near Tokoroa, North Island, New Zealand, which was producing about 10,000 tpa crude ore; inset: expanded BPM [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Thursday, 28 January, 2021|Newsfile|0 Comments

Andalusite Resources to emerge from Business Rescue with new ownership

Following some 18 months of uncertainty and delay, South Africa’s remaining independent andalusite producer and world no.2, Andalusite Resources (Pty) Ltd (AR), is finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Having successfully warded off acquisition attempts by Imerys in 2017 (see Imerys appeal dismissed: Andalusite Resources merger prohibition stands) AR became mired in [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Thursday, 21 January, 2021|Newsfile|0 Comments

Magnesia & refractories major Kümaş acquired by Turkish steel leader Erdemir

Kümaş joins Almatis within OYAK group | Vertical integration strategy rolls on as end users target supply security After several years of speculation, and some close calls from leading competitors, one of the world’s leading magnesite producers, Kümaş Manyezit Sanayi A.Ş. (Kümaş) of Turkey has been acquired by the country’s leading steel producer Ereğli Demir [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Saturday, 9 January, 2021|Newsfile|0 Comments

IMFORMED wishes all a most healthy & peaceful 2021! Latest Forum Updates

For this past year, of all years, IMFORMED would like to thank its delegates, sponsors, partners, contacts, and families for all their kind support and participation for a most challenging last 12 months. The number seven is hailed as being lucky, harmonious, and of perfection. As IMFORMED heads into its seventh year of business, we [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Wednesday, 30 December, 2020|Newsfile|0 Comments

Refractory minerals from China: shutdowns & shipping spark price surge

Bauxite, BFA, Andalusite, Magnesite impact | Supply reforms in pipeline As if 2020 had not dished out enough disruption for one year, suppliers and consumers of Chinese refractory minerals are facing more issues impacting the supply chain in the form of operational closures and a shortage of shipping containers. Title Picture A mountain to climb: China's centre [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Thursday, 17 December, 2020|Newsfile|1 Comment

Mineral Recycling Forum 2021 ONLINE – Programme & Details

12.00-17.00 GMT Tuesday 9 February 2021 EU Action | Mine Tailings | Refractories | Li-ion Batteries | Ceramics | Alumina | Graphite | Magnesia IMFORMED is delighted to announce Mineral Recycling Forum 2021 ONLINE, 12.00-17.00 GMT Tuesday 9 February 2021. This year’s pandemic has amplified the issues of overreliance on certain mineral sources and the [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Tuesday, 8 December, 2020|Newsfile|1 Comment

IMFORMED wins UK business award

IMFORMED is delighted to have been the recipient of the Southern Enterprise Award 2020 for Best Independent Specialist Industry Event Organiser. The SME (Small Medium Enterprise) Awards are organised by SME News and celebrate the success stories of one of the most important sectors in the UK economy. The Southern Enterprise Awards 2020 recognise and [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Thursday, 3 December, 2020|Newsfile|0 Comments

Mineral trader transformation: Possehl Erzkontor on mission to fully integrate by 2024

Refractory mineral processor MMW Hamm acquired by Possehl Erzkontor World leading industrial mineral trading company Possehl Erzkontor GmbH & Co. KG is on a mission to transform itself through diversification and verticalisation into “an integrated end-to-end provider of raw material solutions” by 2024. Title picture Trading up: Dead burned magnesia being loaded in big bags for [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Wednesday, 18 November, 2020|Newsfile|1 Comment

Refractory Minerals Forum 2021 ONLINE – Let’s keep in contact & conversation!

IMFORMED is delighted to announce a new online Forum for the refractory raw materials industry. Refractory Minerals Forum 2021 ONLINE 16-17 March 2021 FULL DETAILS HERE PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES FOR China Refractory Minerals Forum 2021, Dalian, 25-27 October 2021  Field Trip to Haimag, Haicheng Thurs 28 October  The new conference will cover global trends [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Thursday, 12 November, 2020|Newsfile|0 Comments

Fluorspar market outlook: alternative sources ascendant | Li-ion battery potential

Fluorine Forum 2020 ONLINE Review IMFORMED’s inaugural virtual event Fluorine Forum 2020 ONLINE took place last month and was hailed a great success by attendees keen to keep abreast of trends and developments in supply and demand for fluorine raw materials. Key takeaways included: Significant commercial interest in FSA-route plants in operation by 2022 as [...]

By |2024-03-22T05:52:16+00:00Wednesday, 4 November, 2020|Newsfile|2 Comments