PHIL NEWMAN Demand drives commodities, but supply separates the winners from the losers
Consulting firm CRU Strategies CEO Phil Newman will give an overview of the state of mining and commodities at the 2014 Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 3 to 6.
“The presentation will focus on several commodities, new areas of supply, how these areas are impacting on the cost curve and the cost structure of the industry,” he says.
Newman adds that his presentation, titled ‘The changing face of the world mineral supply’, will also provide an in-depth analysis of the fluctuating value of commodities and how this affects trade and the world economy.
“Although demand drives commodities, it is supply that separates the winners from the losers in terms of price development.
“During the financial boom, demand grew fastest for aluminium, but the price of aluminium has underperformed the most, compared with other commodities. However, the opposite is true for copper, where supply has been constrained and demand growth has been lower – but the price growth has been tremendous,” he explains.
Newman says he has attended several indabas over the years, but this will be his first time presenting at the yearly event. He adds that the indaba has always been the perfect platform to network with clients and other stakeholders.
Further, he highlights that he is particularly looking forward to other presentations, as this will provide him with updates on the developments of other companies, new technologies, innovations and methods in the industry.
Newman concludes that the indaba will also be a platform where he will get to “see the commodity markets from a different perspective”, which will help CRU Strategies to make better informed decisions in growing its business and client base.