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Asian Metal
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End of Summit
On May 9-11, Asian Metal welcomed over 120 guests from around the world at the W Hotel San Francisco for its annual International Rare Earth Summit. Over the course of the program, the intimate crowd mingled with market participants from all levels of the global supply chain, including producers, traders, magnet suppliers, consumers, analysts and media representatives.
The event began on the evening of May 9 as employees from the Pittsburgh and London office welcomed guests on the rooftop deck for registration and reception. The sunset over the San Francisco skyline provided a fitting scene where delegates could socialize and relax before the next day’s presentations.
Early Thursday morning, Brandon Tirpak, the rare earth analyst of Asian Metal’s Pittsburgh office, gave the opening remarks to a crowded room eager to learn more about the latest trends and market dynamics affecting the industry. The day began with the Government Keynote Presentation by Diana Bauer of the US Department of Energy. Ms. Bauer touched upon several facets of the US’s concerns over immediate-to-short-term supply. She was followed by Guy Desharnais from SGS Geostat Canada, who explained various geological factors of North American rare earth deposits. Desharnais touched upon several topics including the importance of thoroughly understanding a projects mineralogy and metallurgy. The first morning session was concluded by Michael Silver, the President and CEO of American Elements, a frontrunner in the trading of rare earth materials in North America. Silver spoke about the opportunity for junior mining companies to help ensure a long-term stable supply.
Following the morning break, Al Shefsky, President and Director of Pele Mountain Resources, addressed the audience about the strategic importance of developing rare earth deposits in North America, and provided an overview of progress at his company’s Elliot Lake project. Next, Tracy McSheery, CEO of PhaseSpace, brought light to the use of neodymium magnets in high-efficiency motors and their role in the global economy moving forward. He was followed by Luisa Moreno, a Senior Miner and Metals Analyst from Jacobs Securities, who addressed the changing face of the rest of world supply. Those in attendance enjoyed a lively presentation by Bob Wolf, VP of Sales and Marketing of Alliance LLC, who entertained and educated the crowd with interesting facts and insight about several key niche markets within the neodymium magnet sector.
Following lunch on the hotel’s rooftop deck, participants were welcomed by Peter Cashin, President and CEO of Quest Rare Minerals. Peter brought light to the company’s Strange Lake project, and the many milestones that have been reached to date. Afterwards, Han Yu, Deputy Director of Marketing for JL MAG Rare-Earth Company, discussed his company’s production of neodymium magnets in China, and the prospect for great adoption in green energy applications worldwide. Next President and Director, David Morton, of Magswitch Technologies, spoke to delegates about the use of neodymium magnets in lift applications and their ability to revolutionize the tooling industry.
David was followed by the International Mining Keynote Speaker, Mr. Pol Le-Roux, VP of Sales and Marketing at Lynas Corporation. Pol was able to address the progress of the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in Malaysia as well as an update on Mount Weld. That evening, the summit delegates gathered together for an inviting cocktail and wine reception. The event provided the stage for a great networking opportunity, allowing market participants from all around the world to speak openly about issues within the industry.
On Friday, May 11, guests gathered for the final day of presentations and were welcomed in the morning by Tracy Weslosky, CEO of Pro-Edge Inc, Editor of RareMetalBlog and Chairman of REEworld. Tracy was then able to introduce the US Policy Keynote Speaker, Jeff Green, from J.A. Green and Company. Jeff spoke about efforts within the US government to address supply-chain volatility and the steps that can be taken to mitigate risk. Colin Bird, CEO and Chairman of Galileo Resources, spoke about several initiatives in South Africa in hopes of alleviating rare earth market volatility in coming years. To conclude the first morning session, Patrick Wong, CEO and Director of Innovation Metals Corporation, opened a discussion about the changing face of materials procurement and touched upon his company’s plans to build a heavy rare earth separation facility.
Following the morning break, Caroline Wilson, Director of Investor Relations for Matamec Explorations, updated delegates with the company’s plan to supply Toyota with its necessary raw materials and addressed progress at the company’s Kipawa deposit. Daisuke Kawamata, Functional Materials Team Lead for Advanced Material Japan Corporation, then took to the podium where he spoke about changing market demand in Japan, which, at present, is the largest rare earth market outside of China. Afterward, Jon Hykawy, Head of Global Research for Byron Capital Markets, spoke about macro effects on the market and their implications for potential producers. To conclude the day, Asian Metal welcomed its Processing and Alloy Keynote Speaker, Gary Billingsley, Executive Chairman and Director of Great Western Minerals Group. Gary was able to speak in-depth about the company’s mine-to-market strategy and the latest development at Steenkampskraal in South Africa. Following the conclusion of the presentations, summit delegates enjoyed la final networking lunch at the hotel where many stayed to wrap-up final meetings and bid farewell until next year.
Asian Metal would like to thank all of its sponsors who showed their support and partook in this great event. It was well attended with a wide scope of both delegates and speakers.
Al Shefsky
Bob Wolf
Colin Bird
Han Yu
Jeff Green
Luisa Moreno
Michael Silver
Patrick Wong
Peter Cashin
PlLe Roux
Tracy McSheery