Testing times sustain market turmoil, but outlook positive 2020-21 was all about coping with COVID-19 and responding to the pandemic’s ramifications and the subsequent recovering market demand. While 2021-22 has seen a continuation of this trend, also thrown into the mix has been the tragic Russia-Ukraine conflict which has compounded the situation further. In short, [...]
Last year we reported on the latest stage of evolution of global mineral distributor Cofermin Group, as it entered a new era of management in January 2021. In this latest follow-up article we focus on the management and role of Cofermin’s chemicals division. Title Image Chemical “sourcerers”: Pictured here is fluorspar, shipped from source to [...]
Review of Fluorine Forum 2021 ONLINE The global fluorine raw materials supply chain is undergoing a period of some challenge. In addition to the widespread disruption caused by the pandemic and ongoing logistical issues, compounded by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the fluorspar market is witnessing increased demand from traditional and fast evolving sectors, especially in Li-ion [...]
Leading industrial minerals distributor Cofermin Group has strengthened its magnesia offering amid its expanding mineral portfolio by establishing a new division to specifically focus on magnesia material supply and markets. The new arm, called IMagine, was launched in July 2021, and will focus not just on refractory grade magnesias, but across the whole spectrum of [...]
Usually all good things must come to an end, although there’s one man in the minerals business whose “good thing” continues to last, even after decades longer than most others in the industry. On 15 May 2022, Bernhard Krüger, these days a Member of the Supervisory Board at Cofermin Group, celebrates a magnificent 60 years [...]
US Ceramics assets add processing & logistics capabilities for refractory, proppant, & flame retardant markets Emerging non-metallurgical bauxite producer, First Bauxite LLC (FBX), which is exploiting the Bonasika high purity gibbsitic bauxite deposit in Guyana, has greatly reinforced and expanded its production potential by acquiring ceramic proppant producer US Ceramics LLC (USC). Title image Bauxite [...]
US demand tight | International growth | Frac sand surge | Barite India & Nigeria The oilfield market for industrial minerals – such as barite, bentonite, silica sand, calcium carbonate, graphite, and bauxite – used in a range of applications including drilling fluids, stimulation, and well cementing – appears to be entering a period of [...]
Ceramic clay supply cut off | Tile producers' stocks running out | Graphite expansion on hold As the Russia-Ukraine war tragically passes its 50th day, with still no end in sight, industrial mineral supply chains and markets continue facing widespread disruption and uncertainty. Since the war started on 24 February 2022, many industrial mineral companies we [...]
We are delighted to announce that ANFRE, Spain (National Association of Manufacturers of Refractories, Materials and Related Services) and IMFORMED, have joined forces to present the: XI European Congress of Refractory Raw Materials, Machinery & Installation Hotel Condes, Barcelona, 11-12 May 2022 A stimulating conference focusing on key aspects of the refractory raw materials industry [...]
Review of China Refractory Minerals Forum 2021 ONLINE As we head towards the Chinese New Year of the Tiger (1 February 2022), it is timely to review some of the key issues influencing the supply of Chinese refractory raw materials to global markets. Title Image Peak Magnesite: PRCO’s Kamado high purity, and high altitude (4,200 metres), [...]
