Graphite Supply Chain 2016 | The world’s new meeting place for the natural graphite industry As industrial minerals go, graphite can be as exciting as it gets (no disrespect to US frac sand developers in the mid-2000s!). There are few commercially developed sources, distinct grade development and specifications are required, and processing and logistics can [...]
Oilfield Minerals Forum 2016 Review Despite the cautious rally of oil prices in recent weeks the oil industry has remained depressed. In such downturns it is often imperative to glean market knowledge as never before. So perhaps it was no surprise that last week’s Oilfield Minerals & Markets Forum Houston 2016 organised by IMFORMED with [...]
MagForum 2016 Review Austria is host to some wonderful scenery and culture, but it is also the home of the modern magnesia industry, and thus Vienna was a most fitting venue for IMFORMED’s inaugural magnesium minerals and markets conference MagForum 2016, 9-11 May 2016. RHI's Weissenstein magnesite mine, Austria Last week 130 international [...]
The BIG picture for oilfield mineral demand Have we reached the bottom of the oil price decline and tentative recovery is on the way? Perhaps. Oil prices have consistently risen in the last few weeks and while there remains caution in the market, there are signs that perhaps the corner has been turned and there [...]
Halliburton idles Nevada plant; starts new source in Kazakhstan It’s been a busy month for the barite sector, despite the prevailing dark clouds of the oilfield industry. Halliburton’s Q1 2016 operational update last Friday made bleak reading and their executives were pulling no punches. “Life has changed in the energy industry, especially in North America” said [...]
Mineral Logistics Forum 2016 Review Understanding the logistics aspects of mineral supply chains is crucial to the success of any operation and project. Those attending Mineral Logistics Forum 2016 in Rotterdam last week were fortunate to be able to hear first hand from nine experts some of the latest trends and developments in supply [...]
Outside China, production of fused magnesia has usually been in the hands of the few, and those that at least can negotiate half-decent electricity rates – fused industrial minerals are not known as “crystallised electricity” for nothing. It seems that junior magnesite developers now want in on the fused action as well. "Crystallised electricity": [...]
Mineral Recycling Forum 2016 Review Last month witnessed the successful launch of IMFORMED’s inaugural Mineral Recycling Forum held in Rotterdam during 14-15 March. Over 100 delegates came away enriched with knowledge and new contacts for one of the fastest evolving industrial mineral sectors: raw materials from recycled waste products. Darren Wilson, COO, LKAB Minerals, [...]
MagForum 2016 eyes options for suppliers & buyers These are testing times for the global magnesia business. Producers are looking to diversify into non-refractory markets amid a significant downturn in the steel industry. IMFORMED’s inaugural magnesium minerals and markets conference, MagForum 2016, 9-11 May 2016, in Vienna, will be taking the pulse of the magnesia industry and [...]
India sparks healthy prospects for refractories Courtesy Tata Steel On 20-22 January 2016, the 11th India International Refractories Congress (IREFCON16), organised by the Indian Refractory Makers Association (IRMA), took place in Hyderabad. This well run and well attended biennial event is ideal for taking the pulse of the Indian and Asian refractories industry. As [...]
