12 November 2002 08:12
CONGRESS DISCUSSES WORLD PLATINUM ISSUES
Platinum producers, investors and buyers are to discuss issues critical to the industry -- including HIV/Aids,
Russian platinum supply and black economic empowerment -- at the World Platinum Congress in Johannesburg on Wednesday
and Friday. Cherie Riley, of conference organisers Terrapinn, said this would be the third such biennial congress. Riley
said 168 delegates from around the world were expected. The global prospects for the industry, and factors affecting
world demand for platinum and platinum group metals (PGM) would be discussed. South African issues on the agenda include
"an independent perspective on the importance of expanding opportunities to black economic empowerment companies
according to the Minerals Bill". The effect of HIV/Aids on PGM production would also be discussed. Russia's
status in the global PGM market was on the agenda, with representatives from both Norilsk Nickel and Almazjuvelierexport
to report on Moscow's strategy -- which has been a major factor in the volatility of the platinum price. The impact
of the demands of the World Trade Organisation will be on Russia's centralised control of platinum group metals.
Riley said speakers would include: -- Dr Mike Steel, market research director, Johnson Matthey (UK) -- Barry Davison,
chief executive officer, Anglo Platinum (SA); -- Jacinto Rocha, chief director: mineral resources management, Department
of Minerals and Energy (SA); -- Andrew Smith, analyst, Mitsui (UK); -- Rene Hochreiter, Analyst, BOE Securities (SA); --
James Courage, chief executive officer, Platinum Guild International (UK); -- Marcus Nurdin, managing director,
International Platinum Association (Germany); -- Patrick Evans, managing director, Southern Era Mining (Canada); -- Roy
Pitchford, managing director, Zimbabwe Platinum (Zimbabwe). Sapa 11/12/02 11-08 C=100
[AIW [Asia Africa Intelligence Wire]] |
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