First meeting of raw materials alliance

Germany – Major metal concerns in Germany – including ThyssenKrupp and Aurubis – are among the founding members of an alliance dedicated to the issue of securing raw materials. The initial members’ meeting was held in Berlin on January 30.

‘We will work together to set up a powerful organisation, which will improve the sustained provision of raw materials to German industry,’ Ulrich Grillo, Vice President for national industry association BDI, is reported to have said.

The organisation will focus on raw materials from foreign countries where supply problems could present German industry with the greatest risks – including coking coal and iron ore, according to a report in Steel Business Briefing. The alliance aims to establish strategic interests in raw material projects – from conception through to exploration – so that it can secure purchasing and share participation for German companies.

Mr Grillo adds: ‘BDI will not contribute strategically or financially, but will facilitate its political development, including high-level contact with international governments.’