Speakers

Anand Mohan SrivastavaChief Executive Officer, Andean Anthracite ACE S.A.

Anand Mohan Srivastava is a distinguished mining industry veteran with over 32 years of experience spanning Asia and Latin America. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, with an M.Tech (Applied Geology) and holding an MBA in Finance, Anand has combined technical expertise with strategic acumen to drive transformative outcomes in the sector. As a leader in his current organization, Anand has successfully positioned Peruvian Anthracite on the global map, spearheading strategic and operational transformations that have significantly impacted the Peruvian Anthracite market. Under his leadership, the company was recognized with the Peruvian Company of the Year 2022 Award and the Latin America Quality Industry 2023 Award, highlighting its excellence and contributions to the industry. His deep industry insights and innovative approach make him a sought-after expert on mining strategies and market dynamics. Anand has also been an expositor at key industry events, including the McCloskey Steel & Ferroalloy Conference 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, where he shared his expertise on market trends, challenges, and opportunities in the ferroalloy and steel industries. Beyond his professional achievements, Anand is an advocate for holistic well-being, actively practicing yoga, meditation, and running.

Alex HakimCommercial Manager, CNR-Transferport Group

Alex Hakim is the Commercial Manager of the CNR-Transferport Group, where he leads sales strategies, business development, and new ventures. He is a serial entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in creating companies across various sectors. He founded Preki, a technology platform present in 18 Latin American countries with over 135,000 clients, recognized as the 20th Colombian company to join Y Combinator, the world’s most prestigious startup accelerator. Alex holds a degree in Business Administration from CESA and currently leads infrastructure and logistics projects with significant regional impact.

James StevensonVice President and Research Lead, Coal, Metals and Mining

James Stevenson leads the research and forecasting team for Coal, Metals & Mining within McCloskey. Previously he led Global Coal research, and before that he headed up analysis of North American coal. Dr. Stevenson’s primary expertise includes supply-demand dynamics of coal and iron ore markets, price forecasting, mining and transportation costs, and export logistics and infrastructure. He also has extensive experience in trading of coal, natural gas, and power, as well as being experienced in M&A, having been a part of a number of asset and offtake deals in the coal supply space.

Prior to joining McCloskey’s predecessor IHS Markit, Dr. Stevenson spent six years in coal and power trading, most recently as Vice President, Coal Analysis at Mercuria Energy Trading, and before that as Coal Strategist at Louis Dreyfus Highbridge Energy. He also worked in the energy trading team at Eraring Energy in the Australian utility industry, working primarily in risk management as well as strategy around coal procurement, power sales, and carbon strategy.

Dr. Stevenson holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Sydney in Australia, and a PhD from Yale University.

Lola GonzalezSenior Research Analyst, McCloskey by OPIS

Lola is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience, who now specialises in energy markets and commodity price reporting. Since 2021, she has served as a Senior Researcher and Analyst for OPIS McCloskey, focusing on thermal coal markets in the Atlantic Basin, with a particular emphasis on Colombia, Europe, and Morocco.

Throughout her career, Lola has conducted high-profile interviews with influential figures, including Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, former Ministers of Energy and Mines Irene Vélez and Diego Mesa, and Spain’s Minister of Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera. Her extensive background in journalism includes more than 17 years of contributing to top-tier publications in Spain, where she was also a regular participant in political and economic talk shows on national television.

Ranjana von WendlandAssociate Director, Global Business Development, McCloskey by OPIS

Ranjana von Wendland, Associate Director, Global Business Development, McCloskey by OPIS
Ranjana handles the business development for steel raw materials service based out of London. She has actively covered the Atlantic Basin steel raw materials market for seven years including the launch of met coke markers for Europe and Colombia. In her over two decades of work experience she has covered all aspects of steel making and energy supply chain.
Ranjana holds a masters in financial journalism from University of London, UK and an MBA in International Business from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, India.

Clara Liliana Guatame AponteAdvisor, Colombian National Mining Agency

Geóloga con Maestría en Geología de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, con 30 años de experiencia en el Sector Minero Energético.
Su trayectoria profesional ha transcurrido desempeñando cargos tanto en el sector público como en el privado. En Ingeominas, hoy Servicio Geológico Colombiano participó en investigaciones relacionadas con la industria del carbón durante aproximadamente 15 años; se vinculó a la industria de los hidrocarburos en la empresa Schlumberger como líder técnico para Colombia, Perú y Ecuador; trabajó también en la Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos donde ocupó cargos gerenciales, llegando a ser la primera mujer Presidenta de la entidad en el año 2023.
Desde el año 2024 apoya al grupo de Promoción de la Vicepresidencia de Promoción y Fomento de la Agencia Nacional de Minería, en la definición de nuevas áreas estratégicas mineras relacionadas con minerales considerados como estratégicos para el país, entre otros temas.

Geologist with a Master’s Degree in Geology from the National University of Colombia, with 30 years of experience in the Mining and Energy Sector.
Her professional career has included positions in both the public and private sectors. In Ingeominas, now the Colombian Geological Service she participated in research related to the coal industry for approximately 15 years; she was linked to the hydrocarbon industry in the Schlumberger company as technical leader for Colombia, Peru and Ecuador and in the National Hydrocarbons Agency where she held management positions, becoming the agency’s first female president in 2023.
Since 2024 she supports the Promotion group of the Vice Presidency of Promotion and Development of the National Mining Agency, in the definition of new strategic mining areas related to minerals considered strategic for the country, among other issues.

Andre AcostaDirector, Commodity Solutions, LatAm, Marex Hedging Solutions

With 16 years of experience in the global commodities arena, I specialize in client relationship management, strategic execution, and risk mitigation for companies across Latin America. My deep expertise in physical commodities—particularly in coal—has supported successful transactions with producers, buyers, and merchants in over 15 countries. I bring a strong command of derivatives, including OTC, options, futures, and foreign exchange tools, paired with a solid foundation in compliance, financial strategy, and risk management. My passion lies in connecting market intelligence with smart risk strategies to drive value across the supply chain.

Pertti TuomaCategory Manager – Raw material Coke & Additives Raw Materials, Outokumpu

Over 20 years working experience in Outokumpu, Finnish based stainless steel and ferrochrome producer. 

Earlier positions in shipping and chartering, Sales and operations planning, and now last three years in raw material procurement managing coke, lime, dolime and fluorspar.

Leo ShinTeam Leader of Steel Raw Materials Department 3, POSCO International

Leo (Seungyeop) Shin is the Team Leader of POSCO INTERNATIONAL’s Thermal Coal Procurement team. With over 20 years of experience in the construction and energy industry, he has extensive expertise in finance, equipment procurement, business development, and energy commodity sourcing.

His career first began in the construction industry, specializing in finance and equipment procurement. Afterwards, he expanded into the energy industry and has been deeply involved in power plant project procurement. 

Especially, he played a key role in the development of Samcheok Bluepower, South Korea’s most advanced coal-fired power plant, 
EPC contracts and boiler & turbine procurement during the project development phase. Samcheok Bluepower is now in commercial operation 

and he continues to play a major role in all aspects of the project, ranging from coal type selection, blending scheme optimization, coal supply & demand management, coal procurement, and vessel chartering.

Jiao YongExecutive Deputy General Manager of Sales, China Risun Group Company

Jiao Yong, Executive Deputy General Manager of the International Business Division in China Risun Group Lmited, holds a master’s degree in English Language and Literature from Beijing Institute of Technology. Since joining China Risun Group at the end of 2007, Jiao has steadily progressed from an administrative commissioner to Deputy Manager of the Group’s Operations Management Department, then serving as Manager of the Coke Import and Export Department and Chemical Import and Export Department, and ultimately becoming Deputy General Manager of the Coke Business Department. Currently, Jiao Yong is responsible for overall sales operations and coke import-export affairs in China’s East and South regions, as well as sales in the Indonesian coking plant.

Eduardo CervantesSales Advisor, Coeclerici

BSc. Industrial Engineer from Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla with an MBA from the University of Cambridge, UK. Started in the coal industry at the Cerrejón coal mine as process improvement engineer for 4 years. Then moved to Cerrejón’s marketing arm, CMC-Coal Marketing in Ireland, where I worked for 14 years. I started marketing Cerrejón coal focused on European customers; however, my area of responsibility eventually grew to include Latin America, as well as Cerrejón’s first strategic marketing developments in Asia. In January 2023, I started working with Coeclerici Commodities SA, who up until then were focused in Europe on met coals, in order to develop their steam coal portfolio in this market, as well as sourcing coal and coke products from Colombian origin.

Alexandre ClaudeAlexandre Claude, Chief Executive Officer, DBX Commodities

An entrepreneurial executive with extensive expertise in commodity trading and technology.
CEO of DBX, a cutting-edge platform providing real-time data for commodities using AI/ML and satellite imagery.
Graduated from Oxford University, Paris Dauphine, and EM Lyon.

Pablo CuevasVice President, Deep Blue

Pablo Cuevas is a Marketing and Logistics Administrator from the University de la Sabana, with training in charter parties and bill of lading from the University of South Hampton.

His professional background spans over 5 years at Seaboard Overseas, a grain trading company, where he initially worked in operations and later transitioned to become a trader handling grain sales for animal feed in Colombia.

On 2014 Pablo joined Deep Blue Ship Agency, where currently serves as the Vice President. Deep Blue is a maritime agency dedicated to attend ships of all cargo types in Colombia’s main ports, is widely recognized within the industry as one of the country’s leading agencies, preferred by its clients for tackling challenging operations by offering innovative solutions with a high level of excellence.

Juan Camilo Nariño AlcocerPresidente, Asociación Colombiana de Minerí

Economist from the Javeriana University with a Master Degree in Public Affairs and Citizen Participation. His professional career has spanned high-level positions in both the public and private sectors. For 8 years, he served as a leader in the National Business Association – ANDI, eventually becoming its Vice President, where he was responsible for the operation of the Sectoral Chambers, negotiations of trade agreements with Europe and South Korea, and regulatory strategies for each of the economic sectors.

He was Co-President of the Business Council of the Pacific Alliance during its establishment and negotiation, and worked for the OEA in peace negotiations with the paramilitaries. He served as Anti-Corruption Zar between 2002 and 2004. He is currently an active member of the Advisory Council of PROCOLOMBIA, the Institute of Political Science, and the National Business Council. He has also been part of the Board of Directors of CESA, Seguros Colmena, Banco Caja Social, and Clínica de Country, among others.

Currently, he serves as President of the Colombian Mining Association – ACM and as President of the Latin American Mining Organization – OLAMI.

Gabriel GonzalezChief Executive Officer, Coquecol

Studied Business at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá with an exchange program focused on Strategy at NEOMA Business School in Rouen, France. Major in Finance from Colegio de Estudios Superiores en Administración (CESA). 

In the year 2013 worked at Cemex Colombia on the retail business of the Group, Construrama, supporting the marketing strategy.  

Co-founder of Fútbol Xpo Colombia, an entrepreneurship in the soccer industry in Colombia (2014-2016).

Business Director at Grupo Trinity in the year 2016, supporting the analysis and execution of new investment opportunities.

Since the year 2017 till the date, seven years working at Grupo Coquecol performing as the logistics manager (two years), chief financial officer (three years) and during the last two years as the chief commercial officer, in charge of the sales of the company and the commercial strategy.

Carlos CanteExecutive President, National Coal Producers Federation, FenalCarbón

Economist specialized in Finance with a master’s degree in government and public  Affairs. He has extensive experience in mining resource governance, he has  served as Technical Director of Mines, Director of Mining Formalization and Vice  Minister of Mines of Colombia. He has also been a member of the boards of  directors of the National Mining Agency and the Colombian Geological Survey, as  well as a member of the International Council of the Extractive Industries  Transparency Initiative (EITI). Consultant on issues of Transparency of the  extractive industry, Human Rights and Business, community relations and prior  consultation with ethnic communities working for various entities such as the  International Financial Corporation IFC of the World Bank group and the  Intergovernmental Forum on mining, minerals, metals and sustainable  development IGF. Currently, he is the Executive President of the National Coal  Producers Federation, Fenalcarbón.

Alexei PinedoCEO and Founder, APS Brokers

CEO and Founder of APS Brokers, an international shipbroker specialized in bulk freight shipping, with over 20 years of experience in the maritime industry. An expert in chartering vessels for the transport of cargoes such as grains, minerals, coal, clinker, steel, cement, and fertilizers. He provides strategic advice to global, regional, and local clients, optimizing their supply chains with a focus on key trade routes across North America, South America, the Black Sea, Europe, Asia, and Central America. He also leads hands-on workshops and in-house training sessions for logistics teams aiming to master chartering and maritime operations.

Raj Ratan GautamChief Operating Officer, QL Resources

Raj Ratan Gautam, Chief Operating Officer of QL Resources. QL Resources is an Australian organization, specializing Mining Services, GET manufacturing and Commodities Trading. 

Raj Ratan Gautam, is a Mining and Construction leader with over 15yrs experience in Iron Ore, Gold, copper, and coal across Africa, Australia, Asia, and CIS countries. 

The Commodity Trading desk for QLR is situated in Abu Dhabi. QL Resources additionally, performs with Mining Services in Australia and Jordan and has a GET manufacturing facility in UAE. In South Africa, QLR has their machine building facility. 

Having a diverse experience and off-take agreements across the globe. QLR aim to provide optimum solutions across multiple Commodities, for End users.

Luis Álvaro Pardo Becerra

Economist with specializations in Mining and Energy Law and Constitutional Law.
He has over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, with an emphasis on the mining and energy sector. He has served as the Technical Director of Mines at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, president of CARBOCOL, and in various companies within the sector. He is a co-author of the “Mining in Colombia” series and has published works on fracking, taxation, and energy transition. Additionally, he has been an advisor to organizations such as the OIT and companies like Cemex and Asogravas. He also worked as a journalist at Reuters News Agency and as the media manager at Exploration Company Colombia Limited.
Since September 2022, he has been the president of the National Mining Agency, following the guidelines established in the government program of President Gustavo Petro.

Jimena BarbosaManaging Director – Sales and Strategic Relationships (Latam), Goba Capital

With over two decades of experience in private lending, Jimena Barbosa is a recognized authority in structuring innovative financial solutions across the U.S. and Latin America. Her career has been dedicated to empowering businesses through customized financing strategies, particularly in complex and capital-intensive industries such as agriculture, commodities, and services.

A founding partner of Goba Capital, Jimena Barbosa currently leads the firm’s LatAm Division, where she oversees the design and implementation of creative financing structures for global commodity flows. Her focus lies in factoring, supply chain finance, asset-based lending (ABL), and inventory financing — combining deep regional insight with a global financing lens.

Before co-founding Goba, she held senior leadership roles at a leading U.S. financial services firm, where she played a key role in expanding its reach across emerging markets. Throughout her career, she has consistently delivered tailored financing solutions that unlock liquidity and support growth, particularly in sectors where access to traditional credit is limited.

Francisco GarciaVice President, Drummond Coal Sales

Francisco Garcia joined Drummond Coal Sales 5 years ago to manage the American region -North, Central and South America-, sourced from the mining operation in Colombia, the biggest in the country. It’s a fully integrated low sulfur mine supplying a diverse portfolio of customers worldwide.

Before joining Drummond Francisco spent more than 30 years in the energy sector including oil and gas, downstream, and thermal coal. In the coal market he has played different roles including finance and planning, marketing coordinator, marketing manager, sales director and Vice President of sales. His career started with ExxonMobil an includes stints at Cerrejon and CMC.

Francisco was born in Colombia and holds a degree in Economics, a master’s degree in Economic Development and courses in strategic planning and maritime shipping and freight. Other than Colombia he has lived in Belgium and the US where he currently resides.

Byron Falla DelgadoCFO – Chief Future Officer, Conexus Minerals SAS

With over 12 years of experience in coal and energy industry management and advisory roles, Byron has  a rich background spanning the private sector and government. He played a key role at Minas La Aurora,  the largest mining company in Norte de Santander, Colombia, overseeing 9 mines and the production of  thermal and metallurgical coal. Byron served as the Secretary of Mines in the region, responsible for its  mining sector, which includes phosphorus coke and coking coal. Following this, he worked as the  Commercial Manager for Carbomax de Colombia, handling exports of coke and thermal coal. Currently,  Byron operates a company connecting producers with the market, specializing in low phosphorus coke  and coking coal exports. In addition to his industry expertise, Byron is a University Professor, covering  subjects like SCM, CRM, sales, forecast, finance, HR, projects, and the manufacturing industry. His  knowledge extends to coal markets in Central America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, fostering strong  connections with thermal, steel, and cement plants. Byron excels in strategic planning, leadership in action  plans, shipping operations, trade rules, customs regulations (Incoterms), and possesses skills in systems  management, including programming, cloud, data analysis, business intelligence, and IT tools.