Benchmark Minerals hires SQM executive to expand its lithium and EV supply chain advisory team

Mr Hofer was previously business intelligence manager for SQM, based in Santiago, Chile.

At Benchmark Minerals, Hofer will be responsible for the portfolio of quarterly forecasting subscriptions that presently include lithium, cobalt and graphite and will soon include a wider spread of critical electric vehicle (EV) and battery raw materials including nickel, copper, and manganese.

“Benchmark has taken the lead in bringing people with industry experience to their team and I look forward to being a part of this.

“I have spent years working on lithium ion battery research and market intelligence at SQM and the Critical Materials Institute in Chile. I feel very passionate about it and I am up to the challenge.

“It was clear from working within the industry that Benchmark Minerals is a special company in this space with outstanding people and I am truly positive about its eminent role along the entire electric vehicle supply chain in the coming years.”, said Hofer.

Andy Leyland, head of Benchmark Minerals’ forecast and consultancy division, said: “José brings leading industry experience to Benchmark Minerals at a time when the lithium sector is about to face its biggest challenge yet: financing and bringing online over 1.2 million t LCE of consistent battery-grade material over the coming decade.”

“This is another step in the growth of our forecast and consultancy division as the team continue to deliver a range of lenders market reports, strategic workshops and input to feasibility studies, not just in raw materials, but along the entire lithium ion to electric vehicle supply chain.”

Simon Moores, managing director, commented: “Having someone of the calibre of José eager to join the Benchmark Team is a sign of how far we have come in four years.

“José adds true industry-expertise which allows us to double down on our number one position in the lithium, battery and EV sectors. While he will focus on forecasting, his specialist knowledge across the supply chain and involvement with the entire Benchmark team will add to our lithium price assessments as they evolve from a reference to a benchmark price in industry contracts."

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/11042019/benchmark-minerals-hires-sqm-executive-to-expand-its-lithium-and-ev-supply-chain-advisory-team/