Graphite trading today is a different game to a decade ago. Increasing Asian competition and new uses has forced change. Industrial Minerals speaks to Klaus Rathberger of European graphite trader Georg H. Luh about today’s trading environment
Industrial Minerals: As miners and buyers increasingly negotiate their own deals, where does this leave the graphite trader? Klaus Rathberger: The role of traders for graphite and other minerals has changed significantly during past two decades. The traditional role in many areas has become less important or even redundant. But there is enough opportunity in the marketplace for traders to be valuable partners for producers and consumers of graphite. The trader has in-depth knowledge about his products so he can provide his customers with optimised material solutions with the best price level for a specific application. Traders can also...