As 2012 draws to a close it is a good time to reflect, but also to look forward. From my viewpoint it has been an interesting and informative year, visiting many countries for conferences, industry shows, and also quarries to compile reports for Aggregates Business Europe. At all of these events the most important aspect has been meeting and talking to those people involved in the European aggregates sector, all of whom have shown a great passion for the industry. Only recently at the European Minerals For
As 2012 draws to a close it is a good time to reflect, but also to look forward.
From my viewpoint it has been an interesting and informative year, visiting many countries for conferences, industry shows, and also quarries to compile reports for Aggregates Business Europe.
At all of these events the most important aspect has been meeting and talking to those people involved in the European aggregates sector, all of whom have shown a great passion for the industry.
Only recently at the European Minerals Forum in Brussels, Belgium, I spoke with delegates and then listened as round-table panels discussed in-depth the progress being made in Europe on various policies relating to minerals.
The proceedings were summed up by Nigel Jackson, chief executive of the UK Mineral Products Association (MPA) who said: “Whatever the mineral…it is essential to our lives.”
At the recent MPA 2012 Health and Safety Conference/Awards, he listed health and safety as the top priority for MPA members but explained what the mineral products industry contributed to the UK economy alone (250 million tonnes/year; £9 billion annual turnover; £400 billion turnover of industries supplied; 70,000 people employed).
That is just the UK, and while during the last four years things have been pretty bad for the industry in Europe where times are still tough, a number of recent events indicate that things may be looking up for European companies.
Understandably, major companies are seeing emerging markets as offering great opportunities, but the man said to be Europe’s richest, is investing in UK assets. Namely those sold by Lafarge and Anglo American ( Tarmac) to allow joint their joint venture building materials activities to proceed.
The £285 million pounds (€354 million) sale to Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal (to be finalised) was a condition set by the UK Competition Commission to allow the joint venture, and Mittal is renowned for making very perceptive acquisitions. Clearly, the multi-billionaire can see the benefits of making a long-term strategic investment in the aggregates sector right now. Perhaps he can also see a recovery in Europe coming soon?
In other significant moves, Metso strengthens its presence in the Chinese construction market through a jv with the LiuGong Group and by acquiring 75% ownership of Shaorui Heavy Industries; Sandvik and CDE Global form an alliance in Brazil where Volvo plans a new facility for its SDLG-branded machines, and JCB expands in India.
Just a few of the recent developments in what, for me is a diverse and fascinating industry that is tackling the tough times with determination and looking positively to the future.
So as we near 2013, thank you for all the assistance in the past year, and I look forward to meeting up over the next 12 months, which I hope will be safe and prosperous.
