Mike O’Driscoll

Mike O’Driscoll is an independent consultant and freelance writer with over 30 years experience in the international mining and minerals industry, specializing in industrial minerals and markets. He is co-owner and director of IMFORMED Industrial Mineral Forums & Research Ltd – providing professional networking opportunities and market research expertise for the global non-metallic minerals industry, launched in January 2015.

Mike holds a BSc in Geography & Geology, and MSc in Mining Geology from the Camborne School of Mines. He was Associate Editor and contributing author to the “industry bible”, 7th edition of Industrial Minerals & Rocks, published by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) in 2006.

Mike has extensively researched, written, and devised editorial, event, and research report concepts on all aspects of the industrial minerals mine to market supply chain. He has visited a wide range of mineral supply and end user operations worldwide, meeting senior executives from all key sectors, and has regularly organized, chaired, and presented at many industry conferences.

Mike is a member of the SME, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Association of Mining Analysts, and is interviewed by media and investment consultants as an expert on industrial minerals.

Presentation title: Riding the Tiger: Refractory raw material supply outlook

Abstract: Having endured two years of refractory mineral supply disruption owing to ramifications of the pandemic, combined with the impact of several years of continuing change in the historically dominant, and much relied-upon, Chinese mineral sector, the world refractory industry could, and perhaps should, be embarking on a strategic modification of its mineral supply chains. Certain players have already been proactive in this, more will surely follow as both refractory mineral traders and consumers alike race to secure stocks and consistent supply sources for the future. Consideration of alternative sources, corporate adjustment and acquisitions, recycling, government input, and the increasing influence of environmental factors will all play a part in shaping future refractory mineral sourcing strategies. The primary trends, developments and influencing factors will be examined in this presentation.