ITRI is moving to extend its longstanding role as a research and development centre for tin applications by setting up a market studies and statistics function. The objective of this step is to provide both an improved service to its own membership and more reliable and transparent statistical information for all stakeholders in tin production, consumption and trade.
This new unit, to be headed by experienced metals analyst Peter Kettle, will produce regular reports on tin supply and demand as well as special studies on key issues such as changing end-use patterns, reserves, recycling and production costs. Studies will be closely co-ordinated with ITRI’s ongoing work relating to sustainability and environmental issues.
ITRI’s top priority for the new unit in 2007 will be the analysis of tin production costs, which have increased considerably in the last three years. This work will help identify medium-term equilibrium and floor prices for tin and will also compare costs and working practices between major, sustainable mining operations and the small-scale artisanal producers which currently account for the majority of world mine production.
David Bishop, Managing Director of ITRI, commented: “ITRI continues to focus on development of new technologies, which are providing a solid base for future tin consumption growth. At the same time we recognise, given the fragmented nature of the tin industry, that there is a need to provide stakeholders with a clearer, more transparent understanding of all aspects of tin production, trade and usage.”
Peter Kettle joins ITRI from CRU, where he was responsible for management of the copper and tin research team and the CRUMonitor.com website. He established CRU’s regular analysis of the tin industry in 1980 and is a well known speaker at international metals conferences. He has also worked in soft commodities for Man and Gill & Duffus, the International Lead and Zinc Study Group and the UK motor industry trade association. He has a Masters degree in economics from the University of Wales.
