Kyle Green District Manager BRENNTAG PACIFIC
Can you provide an overview of Brenntag's performance in 2023, particularly regarding new clients in the mining industry and any notable trends or demands in specific commodities?
In 2023, Brenntag has observed heightened demand across the mining sector, particularly in lithium and rare earths in North America. The emphasis on reducing dependence on foreign minerals is notable.
With the increasing emphasis on sustainability and ESG factors, how is Brenntag working towards making its chemicals more sustainable and aiding customers in achieving sustainable operations?
Sustainability is a core focus for Brenntag, reflected in our extensive sustainability plan. We are committed to being good stewards, ensuring responsible handling of chemicals, and aligning with customers who share a similar approach to sustainability. We continuously explore innovative ways to enhance sustainability in our operations and our services, such as providing product carbon footprint data on products and showcasing lower emissions options where available.
Can you highlight any notable projects in the Western US that Brenntag has been involved in?
Brenntag is actively engaged with major mining customers in the Western US. Our role involves providing expertise in chemical handling to ensure the success of greenfield projects and support the growth of our customers. We contribute to the success of these projects by providing tailored solutions that align with each customer's unique challenges and goals.
What are Brenntag's goals for the mining industry in the next 12 months, and where do you see growth opportunities?
We foresee significant opportunities in lithium, rare earths, precious metals and other commodity mining applications. Our strategic goals include prioritizing these opportunities, scaling appropriately, expanding our footprint, and closely aligning with the growth and goals of our customers in the mining industry in order to stay true to our goal of becoming the easiest to do business with in the chemical distribution industry.
Steve Cochrane US Sales Manager CYANCO
Do you think Cyanide will be replaced in the upcoming years?
Cyanide is a proven technology in the extraction of gold and silver, and it will continue to play a critical role in the mining of precious metals into the future.
From an environmental standpoint, it undergoes a natural breakdown process when exposed to heat, sunlight and oxygen, without leaving harmful long-term impacts like mercury and other chemicals used in mining historically. While new chemicals and technologies have been proposed and experimented with, sodium cyanide remains the primary lixiviation technology in precious metal mining due to its proven effectiveness and efficiency. Looking ahead, we believe there will be continued relevance and importance for cyanide in specific mining applications.
Will cyanide be more necessary as ore grades decrease?
As ore grades decrease, evidence suggests that higher cyanidation levels may be necessary. This can prove challenging for mine sites as they seek to extract minerals from lower-quality ore, potentially increasing their production costs. Striking the right balance between these elements is crucial for achieving economic viability and efficiency in the extraction process, which is why partnering with the right supplier is crucial. Cyanco can help customers achieve the lowest cost of operation for each individual mine site from initial assessment to optimal materials use to disposal and detoxification of their tailings.
What is Cyanco’s focus for the upcoming months?
Our focus for the remainder of 2023 and 2024 is to continually optimize our facilities and operations to ensure the most efficient delivery of cyanide to our customers, thereby maintaining costs, despite external factors such as a turbulent global supply chain. We remain committed to improving transportation and overall processes to ensure security of supply, while prioritizing the safe handling and use of our products.