BHP’s Udd to take helm at Albemarle

ALBEMARLE has named BHP executive Ragnar Udd as its next CEO, Reuters reported on Thursday.Udd, currently BHP’s chief commercial officer, will take over on February 1, 2027, replacing Kent Masters, who will become executive chairman.The appointment comes as lithium markets show signs of recovery after prices plunged from record highs in 2023.A surge in production, particularly in China, created a glut that forced producers to cut costs, delay projects and restructure operations.Prices have recovered in recent months as supply tightened, although they remain below their 2023 peaks.Albemarle said in August lithium salt inventories were near record lows and spodumene inventories near historic lows, while demand prospects had improved on growth in electric vehicles and battery storage.The company also said all three processing trains at its Wodgina mine in Australia were operating, while identifying its existing Chilean operations as its best opportunity to deploy direct lithium extraction technology.Udd has overseen BHP’s global sales and marketing, procurement, maritime activities and commodities-market strategy. He previously led BHP’s Americas business, including its copper and potash operations.Masters has led Albemarle since April 2020 and will remain executive chairman through the company’s 2027 annual shareholder meeting.The post BHP’s Udd to take helm at Albemarle appeared first on Miningmx.Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Mining.com Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Mining.com