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Riya Vyas
Business Analyst
Ienergy Natural Resources Limited
Currently working with iEnergy Natural Resources Limited as a Business analyst, Riya Vyas is a Data process specialist in the team, providing Retail market analysis, Economy Analysis and Trade Analysis for supporting business development. During her professional journey, she has developed a network of sources to collect production, import and export data and also who are the importers of the products. She has extensive expertise in sourcing and analysing data. She also keeps a keen watch on import prices as well as FOB prices and prevailing freight rates. She prepares and circulates a weekly report on coal prices and a monthly report on India’s imports of coal and coke on behalf of iEnergy. Both weekly and monthly reports have been Recognised & Appreciated by many industry participants. She has been a speaker at Coaltrans India 2023 held in New Delhi as well as the DRYCON conference in Mumbai. She is been the confirmed speaker at the International Conference Europe and MENA: Coal Prices and Trends, which is going to take place on October 12-13 in Gdansk, Poland. She has also written an article for Drybulk magazine’s Autumn 2022 issue as well as her article on metcoke has been included in the book named Metallurgical Coke Making 2022 & Beyond. Riya Vyas started developing an interest in the coal Industry at a very young age. She has worked as a summer intern with Iman Resources FZ LLC and done extensive research on the ‘Impact of COVID-19 on solid fuel consumption and import of coal’. Before joining iEnergy, she worked with Lavi Coal Info (OPC) Pvt Ltd as an Executive-New Product Development from May 2021 to October 2021. Riya Vyas is an MBA-Finance graduate from S.P. University in Anand, Gujarat and has done her BBA degree from Charusat University.
Rodrigo Echeverri
Head of Research
Noble Reources
Rodrigo Echeverri has worked in commodities for over 15 years, holding roles in Marketing and Research in South America, Europe and Asia. He has worked for the largest producers and traders in the industry, including Cerrejón (CMC), Adaro and Noble. He is currently Head of Research at Noble Resources, covering over 12 different products for five trading desks. Rodrigo is based in Singapore, where he is a permanent resident along with his family. He co-lectures the course “Commodities: Fundamentals and Modelling” at the National University of Singapore.
Virender Kumar Arora
President, Indian Coal Merchants' Association and Chairman
Indian Mining Federation
Mr. V K Arora is a graduate in mining engineering from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. While managing the operations of coal mines belonging to erstwhile Thapar Group, he collected extensive experience in both, opencast and underground mines in some of the most efficiently run Units. After having worked as President and after having put in 50 years of service with Karam Chand Thapar & Bros. (Coal Sales) Ltd., he is presently designated as Chief Mentor of the Company. KCT has a sizeable presence in logistics of domestic coal, handling about 70 M.T./year by road, rail cum sea cum rail (RSR) and rail cum road cum sea route. In addition, as Ex-Chairman of the Mining & Construction Equipment Division of CII, he has been regularly contributing thoughts and ideas towards the policy making in regard to the emerging coal scenario leading to the auction of coal blocks. As President of the Indian Coal Merchants’ Association and Chairman of the Indian Mining Federation, he has played a critical role in representing the needs and concerns of the various coal consumers with regards to the marketing and distribution of coal by means of regular interaction with the Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways and Coal India Ltd. Mr Arora has been regularly contributing as a speaker in various conferences of CII and other trade bodies relating to Energy, Environment, Coal, Logistics and Mining.
Guy Hindley
Managing Partner, Dry Cargo
Howe Robinson Partners
Guy Hindley is Managing Partner of the Dry Cargo Division of leading Shipbrokers Howe Robinson Partners. Formed in London in 1883 Howe Robinson has grown to become one of the largest fully integrated international Shipbroking Houses. Dry Cargo has a global reach with over 150 staff in 10 different locations with a strong emphasis on the Asian markets. Guy has spent his career specialising in Dry Cargo transportation and has an in-depth knowledge of chartering, sales and purchase, as well as other project related business. He directs the Dry Cargo Research Team who produce regular bespoke reports covering all aspects of the Dry Bulk Commodity and Freight Market as well as a specialist set of in-house indices including their bespoke Howe Robinson Dry Index(HRDRI) and the Howe Robinson Indian Ocean(HRIOS). Guy is also Chairman of Maritime Strategies International (MSI), the Research and Consulting specialist and is a Member of the Baltic Exchange Governing Council. Guy read History and Law at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Clyde Russell
Asia Commodities and Energy Columnist
Thomson Reuters
Clyde Russell is Asia Commodities and Energy Columnist at Reuters. He has been a journalist and editor for 33 years covering everything from wars in Africa to the resources boom and its current struggles. Born in Glasgow, he has lived in Johannesburg, Sydney, Singapore and now splits his time between Tasmania and Asia. He writes about trends in commodity and energy markets, with a particular focus on China. Before becoming a financial journalist in 1996, Clyde covered civil wars in Angola, Mozambique and other African hotspots for Agence-France Presse.
Parth Goyal
Head of Met Coal Analysis
BHP
Parth Goyal heads met coal and potash analysis at BHP, based in Singapore. In his current role, Parth is responsible for developing BHP's proprietary views of these commodities, guiding short and long-term decision making. Parth's work has been critical to BHP reshaping its metallurgical coal portfolio. An Economist by background, Parth hails from New Delhi and has spent over a decade in the metals and mining industry.
Prantik Dasgupta
Country Director, India and Vice President Business Development, Indonesia
Coeclerici Far East, Singapore
With more than 20 years experience in the Commodities Industry, having worked across leading Corporates across 3 geographies, Prantik is now spearheading the Thermal Coal Business in India for Coeclerici Group, a 125 year old Italian company . He has rich experience in the metals and minerals space and has enabled his previous employers to increase their footprint across the world in terms of products and markets. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow and a graduate degree in Electronics Engineering. He has spent considerable time in Indonesia and has developed a strong network within the industry. He has also introduced new coal mines in the market through his extensive reach with the miners and traders in various parts of the world. He now brings his experience of sourcing of thermal coal from across origins to the Indian market and aims to bring down their cost of fuel using a techno-commercial approach.
Pawan Kumar
Head of Coal Sourcing & Logistics
SEIL Energy India Limited
Capt. Pawan Kumar is a Seasoned Professional with 24 years of experience in Commodity and Logistics space. Currently, he heads the Coal Sourcing and Logistics function at SEIL Energy India Limited (SEIL), overseeing the management of 2.6 GW worth of supercritical thermal assets. His contributions have been instrumental in establishing the fuel management desk and implementing subsequent optimizations within SEIL. Before assuming this pivotal role, Capt. Pawan held diverse positions across the commodities and logistics landscape. Notably, he specializes in comprehensive commodity market analysis, strategic formulation, and overall risk management, with a keen understanding of supply chain intricacies. Capt. Pawan’s professional journey includes achievements beyond logistics. As a Master Mariner in the Merchant Navy, he brings a unique perspective to his work. His educational background includes qualifications in finance and a degree in maritime law. He is an alumnus of prestigious institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad, London Metropolitan University, and the University of Wales. Capt. Pawan Kumar exemplifies excellence, combining practical experience, strategic acumen, and a commitment to advancing India’s energy landscape.
Devendra Arolkar
Director
Mohit Minerals Ltd
Mr. Devendra Arolkar is Director & Board Member, Mohit Minerals Limited (a Rs 6,500 Cr Company). He is also heading the Western India Region of Coal Consumers Association of India, an Organization that was established before the Independence of India. Mr. Devendra Arolkar is a well-known industry professional and a regular speaker at various events in the Energy Sector. He areas of interest are Energy Transition and Commercial Coal Mining in India. Mr. Arolkar has over four decades of Corporate experience; 2 decades in L&T- Caterpillar JV for Mining Equipment and thereafter one and half decade in Coal & Power Business of L&T. He is an avid learner, has excelled in academics throughout; being Topper of Bombay University in Mechanical Engg, Board Topper for HSC, Board Rank holder for SSC (7th Rank); has Master’s Degree in Management from Narsee Monjee (Mumbai), Diploma in Foreign Trade from Welingkar etc. He is a certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9000 and ISO 14000. Has successfully completed online course in Financial Engineering and Risk Management of Columbia University and more recently on Sustainable Tourism from University of Copenhagen.
Vasudev Pamnani
Head – West & North
Anand Carbo Private Limited
Mr. Vasudev Pamnani is a seasoned professional with a diverse and extensive background in finance, accounts, and coal trading. He has held various roles in both corporate and trading sectors, showcasing his expertise and leadership capabilities. Mr. Vasudev Pamnani is regarded as a business luminary in the coal industry, with his extensive expertise and influential contributions to the coal sector. His professional journey spans over eight years in the coal industry and boasts a cumulative work experience of more than fourteen years. Mr. Pamnani currently serves as the Head of West & North for Anand Carbo Private Limited (ACPL). Here he has taken a role in developing and expanding the coal business of the ACPL’s footprints in the western & Northern part of India. Mr. Pamnani has made significant contributions to the Indian coal industry, playing a pivotal role in various key initiatives. Notable among his accomplishments is his substantial involvement in the team that pioneered the development of the US coal market in India. He has played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of the Anthracite market on the west coast of India. Additionally, he is the first one to bring New Zealand thermal coal cargo to India in 2018. He has been recognized as a distinguished speaker at prestigious conferences such as the Baiinfo conference in China and the Argus conference in India. Additionally, Mr. Pamnani holds the esteemed positions of Founder and Director at Lavi Coal Info (OPC) Pvt. Limited and Westeagle Overseas Private Limited. Mr. Pamnani's professional journey commenced in May 2009 with his tenure as a proficient accountant at AMUL. Subsequently, he embarked on roles at ABF plc and Xcoal Energy & Resources. While working as a Manager-Accounts Xcoal Energy he started getting an understanding of the coal market and then he got his breakthrough in the coal industry as a coal professional with Iman Resources where he served as GM- Sales and Marketing from December 2017 to April 2023. He additionally served as GM – Marketing & Retail Sales in COMSOL Energy Limited between Jan 2018 to Apr 2023. Mr. Pamnani's academic credentials include an M.Com, MBA in Financial Management, and MFA, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
K C Gandhi
President (Energy)
Shree Cement
K. C. Gandhi is President (Energy) at Shree Cement Limited, India and heads the procurement team of various raw materials for cement and power plants. Since 1978, he has worked at various levels of the organization, starting from managerial level and gradually moving up the corporate ladder to the position of President (Energy). He is a result oriented professional with strong analytical problem solving skills developed over the four decades of his experience in the cement, coal and logistics sectors. He is a strategic decision maker with regard to procurement of fuel. He also controls the whole supply chain of fuel with a focus on inventory management.
Saloni Sachdeva Michael
Energy Specialist, India Clean Energy Transition
Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
To follow
Kapil Dhagat
EVP & Head BU-Coal
Jindal Steel & Power Ltd
Kapil Dhagat is a graduate in Mining Engineer and First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate holder (Coal). He has vast experience having worked in Coal India Limited for about 25 years and has contributed in establishing NTPC’s Coal Mining Division. Having worked extensively in both underground & large opencast mines of CIL, he has gained rich experience in Mine Planning, Mine Development, Operations & Mine Management. He has acquired excellent international exposure while undertaking technical due-diligence in many coal mining countries especially in Australia where he was involved in advanced Coal Exploration & Mine Development in Queensland. He is currently working in Jindal Steel & Power Ltd as Executive Vice President/Head BU-Coal. Apart from above, he currently holds various prestigious positions like Vice Chairman of FIMI’s Standing Committee on Coal, Co-Chairman in ASSOCHAM in its ‘Coal & Carbon Credit’ wing, Member of Inter-ministerial committee of Ministry of Coal for ‘Mission Coking Coal’, Member of Raw Material Division under Indian Steel Association and Executive Member of Coal Consumers Association of India. He has written number of Technical Papers on Coal Mining and actively participated in various Conferences & Seminars on Coal.
Rajiv Agarwal
Chairman of Board and Managing Director
Essar Ports Limited
Rajiv Agarwal, CEO and MD of Essar Ports is a leading expert in port development and management. With 38+ years of unparalleled experience in industries like Ports, Shipping, Telecom, Retail and Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO), he is guiding organizations to achieve excellence. An experienced leader in the maritime industry with a passion for creating transformative business solutions is proudly leading Essar Ports to new heights. He has been recognized with many national and international accolades for his leadership and commitment to excellence including the prestigious Port Personality of the year at multiple platforms, Maritime Standard Excellence Award, and CEO award of the year to name a few.
Naveen Munjal
Director – Business Development & Commercial
Apraava Energy
Naveen Munjal is responsible for all commercial matters of Apraava Energy’s conventional power business including business development, fuel and PPA matters. With more than 20 years at Apraava Energy Private Limited (previously known as CLP India P. Ltd.), Naveen has also led the Finance function for the India business as its CFO for about 6 years. Prior to joining Apraava, Naveen had held several leadership roles at Powergen, Lucent Technologies, AT&T India and SB Billimoria & Co. Naveen is a Commerce Graduate from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has 32 years of post-qualification experience.
Kush Singh
CEO
Essar Power
Mr. Kush is a highly experienced Mechanical engineer, holding a degree from the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology. With an impressive career spanning three decades in the Power Sector, he embarked on his professional journey with NTPC, contributing significantly from 1986 to 2007 across various roles and aspects of the power sector value chain. His expertise in the Power sector encompasses Project Engineering, construction, erection & commissioning, O&M, R&M, and business development. Notably, he played a pivotal role in spearheading critical projects at NTPC, including their foray into Nuclear Power. In 2007, Mr. Kush transitioned to Adani Power Limited, where he assumed the role of Head of the Tiroda Project, overseeing a formidable 5×660 MW Super Critical Thermal Power Project initiative. Subsequently, in 2008, he joined Essar Power, taking charge of all international sourcing endeavours related to Power Projects. Presently, as CEO of Essar Power, he leads the Power Business with unparalleled expertise and vision.
Karthik Ganesan
Director Research Coordination
Council on Energy, Environment and Water
An engineer by training, Karthik is a Fellow and Director, Research Coordination, at The Council. As Director, he has a bird's eye view of CEEW's ongoing and planned research and ensures cross-team coherence for CEEW's research direction and imperatives. He also dons the hat of an internal adviser across research teams, creates institutional platforms that spur innovation and, in partnership with other senior researchers, continues to strengthen CEEW's foundation for world-class research. He has played a pivotal role in conceptualising and executing some of CEEW's biggest successes and collaborative efforts such as the ACCESS and IRES surveys and the associated studies, the GHG Platform Initiative and the first full fledged office programme office based out of Lucknow. He continues to be an active researcher with the power sector and air pollution work programmes. Karthik holds a Masters degree in Public Policy from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and an M.Tech in Infrastructure Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
Lalit Ladkat
Analyst Steel
CRU Group
Currently working as 'steelmaking raw material analyst' at CRU. Previously worked at a JSW Steel for 8 years and Lalit was responsible for 'raw material planning' for an integrated steel mill. Lalit holds bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Sabyasachi Mishra
Business Head
JSW International Tradecorp
Mr Mishra is an engineering graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and an MBA in International Business from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi. With 28 years of International Business experience, Mr Mishra has worked in various industries having lived in many countries in Asia including India and Indonesia. Based in Singapore for last 21 years, he has led trading desks in Minerals and Metals sectors. He is currently the Business Head for JSW International Tradecorp (JITPL), the flagship trading arm of JSW Group, a conglomerate with a large presence in Steel, Energy, Cement and Infrastructure sectors. JITPL trades in Steel and Energy raw materials with a focus on Steel Scrap, Iron Ore and Coal.
Rohan Baid
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
BigMint Technologies Private Limited
Mr. Baid holds a degree in Business Management from CMS Bangalore. With his rich experience of 16+ years, he has an established track record in analytical commodities research across different verticals of the global Iron and Steel industry. This is coupled with managerial acumen in ensuring timely production and dissemination of research articles, editorial team management, devising sales and marketing strategies in virgin markets, imparting product knowledge and making constant efforts to expand the client base. He is passionate about extending the scope of research in the Iron, Steel & Coal industry to incorporate newer commodities and exploring emerging market dynamics.
Devidutt Mishra
Head – Coal Sourcing
ACC – Ambuja (Adani Cement)
Devidutt is a distinguished business leader with over 19 Years of Experience in the Cement and Non-Ferrous industry. He currently manages the Solid Fuel sourcing for ACC and Ambuja Cement plants part of Adani Cement group. He has extensive experience in sourcing of Bulk Raw material for Cement industry & Logistics (Road & Rail), Strategy & Business Excellence.
Durgesh Pathak
AVP Marketing – India
XCoal Energy & Resources
Bachelor of Business Administration with Specialisation in Adv Marketing Management and Exports Management from BJVM College of Management (Sardar Patel University). Post Graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Symbiosis Institute, Pune Joined Xcoal Energy and Resources in November 2014 and currently working as AVP (Marketing, India) and heading the India business. Have had the opportunity to identify and develop potential markets for US High CV Thermal coal across the various retail and industrial sectors. Have succeeded in introducing some the premium US Coking Coal brands and create a long term customer base amongst the leading Steel majors in India. Prior to Xcoal, I have an enriching tenure in the Steel Industry for 17 years from 1997 to 2014, working for leading names like Essar Steel, Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc and SIMEC Resources. This span of 17 years includes major portion of handling International Trade encompassing imports and exports for key markets like US, Europe, Middle East and Central Asia, South East Asia and Latin America. Have pioneered in developing niche overseas markets for all products of steel majors like JSW Steel, Uttam Galva, Essar Steel and others in India and also been successful in developing long term client base in Auto, Defense, White and Yellow Goods, Shipping and F&B industry in India for highly specialized Steel products from Japan. I have played a leading role in developing some of key strategic value added business models like JIT models for Auto industry, Special Steel Service Centres and technology transfer and development projects. One of the key highlights being a core team member to facilitate and promote the JFE – JSW joint venture discussions and the final execution. Apart from International trade, have a rich experience in areas of shipping, logistics, downstream management, production planning and control, trade finance and International trade issues.
Sandeep Kalia
Head – Sales (Coking Coal)
Tata International Limited
Sandeep Kalia is working as Head – Sales (Coking Coal) at Tata International Limited. He is a seasoned professional with more than 28 years of experience across mining, coal & steel sector. He has served various technical, commercial & research roles, creating value chain with effective leadership & commercial success. He is a mining engineer from Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, India. He has done Master of Marketing Management from Annamalai University, India.
Sareena Patel
Associate Director, Thermal Coal
McCloskey by OPIS (a Dow Jones Company)
Sareena Patel is Associate Director, Global Thermal Coal Research. Sareena co-heads McCloskey’s thermal coal research team and has more than 15 years’ experience in the energy sector covering gas, power, and coal. In her current role, Sareena primarily focuses on the global seaborne market for thermal coal and is responsible for producing strategic insights and outlooks for thermal coal supply, demand, and prices. Her work also extends to include broader energy topics, including LNG, energy transition, coal-gas competition, and global energy policy. Sareena joined McCloskey by OPIS, a Dow Jones Company (previously IHS Markit’s Coal, Metals and Mining team) in 2012 from IHS Markit’s European Gas team, where she focused on midstream supply and demand analysis, infrastructure development, gas storage, and gas market flexibility. Her expertise also extends to the European power sector. Sareena has a BA (Hons) in Economics with French from the University of Durham, in the United Kingdom.
Haryanto Damanik
General Secretary, APBI-ICMA and President Director,
PT Manambang Muara Enim (MME)
Haryanto Damanik currently serves as President Director of PT. Manambang Muara Enim (MME). He also serves as the General Secretary of Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI-ICMA). Haryanto Damanik has more than 13 years of experience in several mining companies in Indonesia. Haryanto Damanik acquired his Bachelor’s Degree in business law from University of Padjajaran and Master’s Degree in Business Law from University of Indonesia.
Ardian Rosadi Budiman
Senior Manager of International Marketing
PT Adaro Energy Tbk
More than 15 years of experience in mining industry. Current role as Senior Marketing Manager of Adaro International Singapore Pte. Ltd. heading a team for both thermal and metallurgical coal supply to South Asia, South Korea and ASEAN market. Hold graduate degree in Mining Engineering from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) – Indonesia.
Aman Singal
Head – Sourcing & Business Development, Thermal Coal, Minerals
Aman Singal leads global Sourcing and Business development for non-India markets for the Minerals trading business of Tata International, comprising thermal coal, coking coal and international iron ore, in addition to optimization & derivatives (paper) trading. With nineteen years of industry experience in various capacities & roles across organisations, Aman specializes in commodity procurement, marketing, logistics & supply chain management, risk management, derivatives trading and physical optimisation.
Rajat Handa
Vice President – International Trade
Agarwal Coal Corp Singapore Pte Ltd
Mr Rajat Handa is a senior professional with over 23 years of experience working in large MNCs & has spent around 14 years in the energy Industry working with companies like Tata and Caravel Resources. He is skilled in international business, business development, commodities trading, sourcing, business planning and supply chain management. Rajat is a postgraduate in international business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi and has a Bachelor’s of Engineering from University of Pune, in the current role at Agarwal coal he is based out of Singapore office spearheading the International trade division for Asia market.
Oliver Bufton
Head of Sponsorships
Fastmarkets
Kgabi Masia
Chief Coal Operations Officer
Exxaro
Kgabi Masia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Extractive Metallurgy from University of Johannesburg. He has also completed several Advanced Management Programmes with the esteemed INSEAD business school in France. Kgabi has spent his career primarily within the Energy Coal business at BHP Billiton and South32 within South Africa and more broadly across the continent with additional exposure to other minerals such as Aluminium and Manganese. His early career with BHP Energy Coal was spent in several highly technical roles firstly as a Metallurgist, Project Engineer and Business Improvement Lead, where he focused on several transformational projects. In 2004, Kgabi was appointed Process and Metallurgical Manager before progressing to General Manager, Processing and later to Head of Integrated Operations within BHP Energy Coal. With the spun off South32 in 2015, Kgabi was appointed Vice President Operation and later moved to a role of South32 Africa Region Vice President Commercial for Coal, Manganese and Aluminium responsible for Energy and Logistics Strategy and Supply Chain. From 2018 until 2021, Kgabi served as President, South Africa Energy Coal with oversight operations and P&L, leading 4,100 FTE's (and 4,000+ contractors), a full ExCo and driving the overall strategy overseeing its hugely successful acquisition by Seriti Resources. Kgabi has served on many boards, including Richard Bay Coal Terminal, was also both the Chair of Glencore Joint Venture with South32 Coal and the chair of their London Marketing Company. He has formerly served with the Minerals Council of South Africa, where he served as Chair of its Coal Leadership Forum and drove many learning initiatives that helped drive the creation of its Learning Hub.
Brajesh Kumar
Senior Vice President – Business Development & Commercial
Brajesh is responsible for the business development of Apraava Energy’s greenfield renewable energy projects in India. His core focus currently lies in standalone and hybrid projects based on wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage. During his career spanning over 17 years, Brajesh has worked primarily in the Renewable Energy sector with a wide exposure on policies and regulations, strategy formulations, investment analysis, and project planning and development, among many other aspects. Prior to joining Apraava Energy in 2010, he was associated with Cairn India, ABPS Infrastructure Advisory and Bhushan Steel & Strips Ltd. Starting his career as a production engineer, he then branched into executing and providing advisory engagement in the areas of regulatory and policy affairs, market entry strategy, feasibility assessment, and bid advisory. Brajesh is a qualified Mechanical Engineer from the Agra University. He holds a MBA degree from the National Power Training Institute. He has also pursued the “Applied Leadership Program” from the International Institute for Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland