Speakers

Jiao YongExecutive Deputy General Manager, Int.l Business Division, China Risun Group Ltd

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.

Osvaldo GonzálezSub Gerente General, Itabo

Osvaldo Gonzalez es un ingeniero del sector energético con más de 20 años de experiencia en planificación, desarrollo comercial, compra de combustibles y gestión operativa dentro de la industria eléctrica dominicana. Es ingeniero eléctrico y cuenta con un Máster en Alta Gerencia y un Máster en Regulación del Sector Eléctrico.

Su trayectoria profesional incluye una destacada carrera en AES Dominicana y actualmente se desempeña como Subgerente General de la Empresa Generadora de Electricidad ITABO, S.A., una de las compañías líderes en generación térmica eficiente del país.

Osvaldo Gonzalez is an engineer in the energy sector with more than 20 years of experience in planning, business development, fuel procurement, and operational management within the Dominican electric power industry. He is an electrical engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Senior Management as well as a Master’s degree in Electricity Sector Regulation.His professional career includes a distinguished tenure at AES Dominicana, and he currently serves as Deputy General Manager of Empresa Generadora de Electricidad ITABO, S.A., one of the country’s leading companies in efficient thermal power generation.

Fabio GalanMember of the Board, Paz del Río

Fabio Galán Sánchez Former CEO of PazdelRío, currently a member of the Board of Directors and a business consultant.
Fabio Galán is a lawyer from Javeriana University, with specializations in Constitutional Law from the same institution and in Private Law from the National University of Colombia. He also completed studies in Economic Integration at Carlos III University and Complutense University in Madrid, Spain, and completed the Management Development Program at INALDE in 2022.

He is the first career executive to reach the Presidency of PazdelRío, a position he held for four years. During his tenure, he led a transformation process focused on efficiency, sustainability, and the company’s industrial strengthening, reaffirming its commitment to regional development.

He also chaired the Board of Directors of ProBoyacá, a role assigned to PazdelRío, where he promoted public–private collaboration and positioned Boyacá as a strategic hub for investment and national competitiveness.

Armando BauteRaw Materials Manager, Coquecol

Armando Baute is a Chemical Engineer with specialized training in coal chemistry and over 20 years of experience in the Colombian metallurgical coal industry, all of which has been developed within the Coquecol Group. Throughout his career, he has led key processes in quality control, solid fuel development, and product innovation management, having served as Quality Manager and Product Development Manager.

For the past 10 years, he has held the position of Raw Materials Manager, where he drives the design and implementation of supply strategies, optimization of business models, supplier management, and the execution of strategic projects focused on sustainability and business competitiveness. His professional approach combines strong technical expertise, market-oriented thinking, and the ability to integrate operations, finance, and customer requirements, contributing to the strengthening of Coquecol’s positioning in international markets.

Angélica OlmosFuel Director, Deep Blue Ship Agency SAS

Angélica is a maritime and logistics executive with over twenty years of experience in Colombia’s coal, shipping and logistic chain. She is the Director of Fuels Division at DeepBlue Ship Agency and founder of Oceantrust, a maritime agency later acquired by DeepBlue on 2017 year.

She has built a strong international network across the Americas ,Caribbean, and Europe, gaining a deep insight into the commercial and operational dynamics of the maritime logistics value chain by leading complex vessel operations and integrated  logistics.

Her leadership is people centered, based on trust, ethics, and meaningful relationships. She is a strong believer that responsible mining

Klaus OrbanHead of Business Development, APS Brokers

Klaus Orban is an executive with 15 years of experience in the maritime logistics sector, specializing in business development, strategy and management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Ball State University (United States) and a specialization degree in Economics and Commerce from Universiteit van Amsterdam (The Netherlands). Since 2021, serves as the Head of Business Development division for APS Brokers.

Cristian G Rodriguez MartinezChief Executive Officer, SRSS Group / Invercoal

Cristian was born in Colombia 1,955. Accomplished Elementary school at Frick Public School in Pittsburgh , Penn, USA , and finished high school in Colombia . Studied Industrial Engineering and economics in Colombian National University, and with a Fulbright Fellowship, acc a MSc in Evonomic Policy and planning in Northeastern University and was a SPURS FELLOW at MIT years 1,985/6 .

Has been in the coal business since 1.987 , and from INVERCOAL SA has developed low vol Metallurgical Coal mines in Boyacá ; Low vol coking coal mines in Santander ( LANDAZURI, Velez and Cimitarra ) and also high vol coking coal and PCI low volatile coal in Santander. A

Carlos Felipe BarreraChief Executive Officer, John T. Boyd Company

Carlos Felipe Barrera is a senior mining industry executive with more than 20 years of experience spanning technical consulting, strategic leadership, and international business. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of John T. Boyd Company, a global mining consultancy, where he leads complex, high-impact projects across multiple regions worldwide.

Throughout his career, Carlos has worked with suppliers, consulting firms, and junior investment companies, playing a key role in technical due diligence processes and leading multidisciplinary teams, particularly throughout South America. He is widely recognized for his ability to integrate rigorous geological and technical analysis with public management expertise and deep regional insight, supporting informed decision-making in the South American mining sector.

Internationally, Carlos is an active leader and advocate for global collaboration in mining. He serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Australia Colombia Business Council (ACBC), promoting bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. He is also a member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) in the United States and the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), where he contributes to advancing technical and commercial cooperation within the global mining community.

Carlos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Sydney and a Master’s degree in International Business and Commerce from the University of New South Wales. He has pursued advanced executive education in Negotiation at Harvard University, Mining Project Management at the Colorado School of Mines, and Oil, Gas, and Mining Governance at the University of Oxford.

Francisco GarciaVice President of the Americas, Drummond Coal Sales, Inc.

Francisco Garcia joined Drummond Coal Sales 6 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.

Roberto RiofrioGeneral Manager, Pacific Basin Shipping (Chile)

Roberto Riofrio has been working in the maritime sector for 20 years, particularly in Dry Bulk, with a primary focus on the WCSA. He has been with Pacific Basin for almost 14 years and currently serves as General Manager for Chile, with responsibility for commercial planning, fleet positioning, and forward book management.

Throughout his career, he has worked closely with producers, traders, and utilities across Latin America, Asia, and Europe, actively participating in the coal market, mainly into Chile. His experience is primarily commercial and strategic, with a strong focus on risk management, cost optimization, and adaptation to the evolving dynamics of the global market.

He holds a degree in Commercial Engineering and a Master’s in Marketing from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (Chile).

Oscar RodríguezManaging Director, Carboindustrias Colombia S.A.S.

Oscar Rodríguez is the Managing Director of Carboindustrias Colombia S.A.S., a Colombian producer of ULP coke and coal products based in Norte de Santander. He holds a degree in International Business and Trade and a postgraduate specialization in Financial Management.

Together with his partner and brother, he has built a company focused on the mining and coking sector, supplying high-quality Colombian coke to different  markets. Carboindustrias Colombia is particularly recognized for its production of Ultra Low Phosphorus (ULP) coke, a premium product used in the stainless steel and specialty metals industries.

Oscar is a strong advocate for the protection, transparency, and international reputation of the Colombian mining industry, especially in Norte de Santander, a region known for its high-value metallurgical coals and cokes.

Carlos Andrés Cante PuentesExecutive President, National Coal Producers Federation, FenalCarbón

Economista especializado en finanzas en la Universidad del Rosario con maestría en gobierno y asuntos públicos. Con amplia experiencia en gobernanza de recursos mineros, se ha desempeñado como director técnico de Minas, director de Formalización Minera y Viceministro de Minas de Colombia. También ha sido miembro de los consejos directivos de la Agencia Nacional de Minería y del Servicio Geológico Colombiano, así como miembro de Consejo Internacional de la Iniciativa para la Transparencia de las Industrias Extractivas (EITI). Consultor en temas de Transparencia de la industria extractiva, Derechos Humanos y Empresas, relacionamiento comunitario y consulta previa a comunidades étnicas trabajando para diversas entidades como la Corporación Financiera Internacional IFC del grupo Banco Mundial y del Foro Intergubernamental de minería, minerales, metales y desarrollo sostenible IGF. Actualmente es el Presidente Ejecutivo de la Federación Nacional de Productores de Carbón, 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.

Carlos E. SanchezCommercial Coordinator at Minex Compañía Internacional

Carlos E. Sanchez is the Commercial Coordinator at Minex Compañía Internacional, where he contributes to the company’s commercial development and manages international client relationships in the coke and coal sector. He holds a dual degree in Business Administration and Economics from Northeastern University, with a concentration in supply chain management.

During his time at Northeastern, Carlos worked at Wayfair in an analytics role optimizing inbound sales channels, and later supported supply chain operations at Via Separations, an MIT-affiliated green-tech startup focused on reducing energy use in industrial separation processes. After graduating, he joined International Materials (IMI), gaining practical experience in trade execution and operations on the sales side of the global commodity market.

At Minex, Carlos brings a global perspective and cross-functional commercial experience that bridges both the trading and producer sides of the industry. He is committed to supporting the domestic coke and coal business and contributing to the growth of Colombia’s commodity sector. Guided by strong family values, he aims to help build long-term, sustainable industry development.

Gustavo FernandezManaging Director, Capricorn One S.L.

Gustavo Fernandez is an executive with more than 25 years experience in the commodities industry. After working for Endesa (Spain) and Essent Energy Trading (Holland) trading physical and financial products he was Managing Director Coal, Freight and Biomass at E.On / Uniper in Germany.

Gustavo holds a Mining Engineer degree from Madrid School of Mines with a thesis from Colorado School of Mines. He has served as a Board Member in several companies including Global Coal Ltd, Better Coal and Javelin Global Commodities Ltd in which he participated since inception.

He now runs his own consultancy company supporting trading companies in trading, origination and risk management and also acts as expert / witness in arbitration.

Juan Carlos SalazarInternational Business Development, RTS International

Juan Carlos Salazar is the Business Development Manager for RTS International in Colombia, a global financing company headquartered in Kansas City, supporting exporters worldwide with multi-million-dollar financing solutions. He helps companies unlock working capital, optimize cash flow, and expand into multi-destination markets.

Juan Carlos brings vast commercial and financing structuring experience across different multinational companies and has extensive expertise financing coal, metallurgical coke, and related commodities. He works closely with clients to design tailored financial solutions that enhance liquidity and support strategic growth initiatives in complex, high-value commodity markets.

Through his career, he has developed deep expertise in international trade finance, risk mitigation, and the operational challenges of cross-border transactions, enabling businesses to scale efficiently while maintaining strong financial health.

Andre AcostaDirector, Commodity Solutions LATAM, Marex Solutions

Andre Acosta is a seasoned commodities and derivatives executive with more than 15 years of experience in client management, portfolio hedging, and risk-mitigation strategies. He brings deep expertise across physical commodity markets, futures, OTC structures, and FX hedging, helping participants across the value chain navigate volatility and optimize commercial and financial outcomes.

Since 2019, he has led Marex’s Latam strategy. He has also spearheaded the adoption and development of coal, metallurgical coal, and coke hedging solutions in Colombia, broadening market access to effective risk-management tools. Having worked in Brazil, the UK, and the US, Andre brings a genuinely global perspective and a strong ability to engage diverse stakeholders across Latin America, Europe, and beyond.

Daniel ReyDirector Ejecutivo, Cámara Colombiana de Productores de Acero.

Executive Director, Colombian Chamber of Steel Producers | Economist | Macro Analysis & Business Development Expert.

Economist and MBA from Universidad de los Andes, with a specialization in Urban Law from Universidad del Rosario. With 15+ years of experience in macroeconomic analysis, sector risk, and business development, he has held key roles in the private and industry-association sectors.

He is currently the Executive Director of the Colombian Steel Producers Committee at ANDI, leading strategies to strengthen the steel industry, address unfair competition, and promote productive value chains.

Previously, he served as Director of Economic Studies at Camacol B&C and worked at Grupo Bolívar and Banco Davivienda in economic research and sector-risk evaluation. He has also taught International Finance in the Master’s in Banking and Finance at Universidad Javeriana.

Dr James StevensonVice President and Research Lead, Coal, Metals and Mining, McCloskey by OPIS

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, Steel Raw Materials, McCloskey by OPIS, A Dow Jones Company

Associate Director, Global Business Development, Steel Raw Materials at McCloskey by OPIS, A Dow Jones Company

Ranjana handles the global business development for the Steel Raw Materials including the Ores and Alloys. She has spent nearly a decade in the coal, metals and mining space focussing on met coal, met coke, anthracite and PCI. She has launched pricing assessments for met coke relevant to the Latin American and European markets.  Prior to McCloskey she worked in European energy risk management and energy publishing services. Ranjana has a Masters in Financial Journalism from City, University of London, UK and MBA in International Business from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi.

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.

Juan Camilo Nariño AlcocerPresident of the Colombian Mining Association ACM & President of the Latin American Mining Organization – OLAMI

Economista de la Universidad Javeriana con Maestría en Asuntos Públicos y participación ciudadana. Su trayectoria profesional ha transcurrido por cargos de alto nivel en el sector público y privado. Durante 8 años se desempeñó como dirigente Gremial en la Asociación Nacional de Empresarios – ANDI, llegando a ser su Vicepresidente donde fue responsable del funcionamiento de las Cámaras Sectoriales, de las negociaciones de los acuerdos comerciales con Europa y Corea y de las estrategias regulatorias para cada uno de los sectores de la economía. Fue Co-Presidente del Consejo Empresarial de la Alianza del Pacífico durante su constitución y negociación, y trabajó para la OEA en las negociaciones de paz con las autodefensas. Fue Zar Anticorrupción entre el 2002 y 2004. En la actualidad es miembro activo del Consejo Asesor de PROCOLOMBIA, del Instituto de Ciencia Política y del Consejo Gremial Nacional. Igualmente ha sido parte de las Juntas Directivas del CESA, Seguros Colmena, el Banco Caja Social y la Clínica de Country entre otras. En la actualidad se desempeña como Presidente de la Asociación Colombiana de Minería –ACM y como presidente del Organismo Latinoamericano de Minería- OLAMI.

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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.