Metals and minerals
Metals including aluminium, copper and zinc play a crucial role in the shift to a low-carbon economy. These vital resources are required to build wind turbines, solar panels and for electrification.
Other metals such as nickel and cobalt are needed for electric vehicles and energy storage, while lead batteries are helping to power the internet.
One of the world’s leading independent suppliers of metals
Trafigura is a key supplier of non-ferrous concentrates – the raw material used in smelting – as well as refined metals.
Aluminium
A lightweight metal with multiple uses from beverage cans to aircraft.
Copper
The metal of electrification and crucial to the energy transition.
Zinc
Protects steel from rusting - essential for offshore wind turbines.
Nickel
Used to make stainless steel and also in EV batteries.
Cobalt
A material used to stabilise and boost the range of lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium
An essential component of rechargeable batteries.
Lead
Lead batteries are widely used, including powering data centres and vehicles.
Other metals
Gold, silver, PGMs, germanium, gallium and other by-products.
Renewable energy and electric vehicles are more metal intensive
The shift to renewable energy and clean transportation is central to the global response to climate change – and both require a significant amount of metal.
Our end-to-end metals supply chain
Working with producers to promote responsible mining practices
We have developed a defined approach to value chain due diligence, including a specific programme focused on identifying impacts associated with the minerals and metals we source and supply, with the aim of promoting continuous improvement.
We actively promote responsible value chains to achieve three goals:
to identify and mitigate risks to people and the environment
to engage and promote positive change
to report transparently and provide assurance where needed
Our bulk commodities business
Iron Ore
Trafigura is a leading supplier of high-quality iron ore to the global steelmaking industry. Over 15 years, we have developed a core group of responsible suppliers, ensuring the products we buy and sell meet international standards and the precise specifications of our customers. We work with established private, public and state-owned companies, offering a range of services to clients including blending, storage and shipping.
Metallurgical and thermal coal
To complement our activities in iron ore, we buy and sell metallurgical coal, also needed to produce steel. In addition, we supply thermal coal to utility companies in various countries around the world. While acknowledging the role that coal currently plays in both industries, revenues from coal account for less than 5% of the Group total.
Meet our people
Trafigura employs approximately 14,500 people across its operations.
Get to know some of our experts connecting vital resources.
“I create solutions that work for producers and consumers while driving value for Trafigura. It is about keeping sight of the bigger picture, being creative, pursuing the right opportunities and making the right decisions.”
Sherteen Hernandez
Copper Trader - Houston, US
“Trafigura sits at a unique intersection. We have visibility upstream into mining communities and mineral production companies, while also engaging downstream with customers who purchase minerals and serve end markets.”
Norman Mukwakwami
Global Head of Responsible Sourcing for Metals, Minerals and Bulk - Geneva, Switzerland
“Metals impact energy in a crucial way and are the means to achieve the energy transition.”
Georgios Stamopoulos
Team Leader, Metals & Minerals Operations – Athens, Greece
“I am able to understand what local and small-scale miners need and help them to grow.”
Juan Delger
Former Graduate now Traffic Operator - Montevideo, Uruguay
10 Oct 2019 - Publication
Trafigura standard terms and conditions for sales and purchases of physical non-ferrous metals
The Trafigura standard terms and conditions for sale and purchase of physical non-ferrous metals are neutral terms on which Trafigura buys and sells. The standard terms are incorporated into all contracts for the sale and purchase of physical non-ferrous metals entered into by Trafigura Pte. Ltd.
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by Richard Holtum
Chief Executive Officer
