The organisers note that having pioneered the 'Cartagena coal conference' in 1994 and having played a major part in jointly running this long-established and popular event ever since, The McCloskey Group is pleased to announce that we will be once again be independently hosting this conference in March 2003.
Set in one of Colombia's most beautiful cities, McCloskey's Coal Conference of the Americas will give buyers the chance to meet and hear the leading South American exporters speaking about the prospects for growth in their industries.
This is a crucial sector of the Atlantic coal market. It is the Colombian restraint of production levels that has been a leading factor in balancing the European market from the poor returns that it has paid since the end of 2001. A failure of discipline in this sector could lead to a return to poor prices but, at the same time, continued restraint will help them to rise. And this is happening at a time when the North American market for coal is beginning to look very promising.
Coal buyers, traders and exporters must continue to be aware of what is happening to production and sales from this potentially huge exporting area if they are to retain peace of mind that the market positions they have adopted are the correct ones. This event will help them to do this.
The new Minister for Mines and Energy, Luis Ernesto Mejia, will make his first presentation at an international coal conference. Industry leaders Alberto Calderon, president of Cerrejon Coal Company, and a representative from Drummond in Colombia will speak about their plans for the future.
From Venezuela, one of the few countries in the Atlantic sector outside Colombia with the potential for substantial expansion, Carbones del Guasare president Rodolfo Colmenares and Excelven president Chris Ellis will speak about the exciting prospects for growth there.
However, this event will NOT just be about suppliers. Some of the most important buyers of Colombian product have also agreed to speak. From Europe, Enel's Alessandro Sartori will analyse the impact of market consolidation in prices, while Southern Company's Rick Simon will represent the US.
Many other buyers have been approached to ensure that this is a fulfilling conference for suppliers, purchasers, traders and other service providers. A special part of the programme will include presentation of poet developments in North America and Canada in order to increase South American imports.
No facet of the South American scene will be ignored: 2003's event will for the first time see an experienced player in the Brazilian market presenting a description of the Brazilian Steel Mills' import markets.
The McCloskey Group will ensure that every delegate comes away from this conference having gained the dual advantages that knowledge of the market outlook and new contacts can give.