Get it now: IPMI Conference App

Posted on by Bodo Albrecht

Screenshot_20170508-1543591More and more people are using smartphones while the usage of thumb drives has dropped. So for the upcoming 41st IPMI Conference, the entire conference program will be presented via a conference app, developed and sponsored by Sabin Metal Corporation.

The app will allow you to keep track of events, navigate the conference floor, find and communicate with other participants, and much more.

Special sections will feature exhibits and sponsors.

Using the app is free for all conference attendees. What is more, the app will remain active for a year after the event so you have plenty of time to migrate new contacts you made to your regular contacts list.

How to get the IPMI Conference App:

Android and Apple:

In your respective app stores, search for “IPMI 41st Annual Conference” and follow the instructions.

Windows Mobile:

Please click this link: http://py1zqy.m.attendify.com/ to launch the web based version of the app. Note that there is NO Windows-supported app that you could download from the store. All features and functionalities of the web app are identical to the Android and Apple apps.

If you have a QR reader, you may also use the codes displayed in this document..

What next?

IMG_20170508_181738 (2)_LIAfter launching the app, be sure to create your user account which will identify you as a conference attendee. Please enter your name and how you wish to communicate with other members during the event. Feel free to add a picture of yourself if you like. It will make it easier for people to find you in a crowd.

Launching the app will take you straight to the “Activity” screen. This screen will inform you about the latest activities related to the conference, and to people joining the app. This screen will be very busy pre-conference but settle down and focus during the event to inform you about last minute changes or exciting unscheduled things happening right now.

A very important feature on this screen is the menu icon on the top left. Clicking this icon opens the main menu from where you can select the individual app sections. At this point, we are still populating the lists so come back from time to time to check what’s new. Complete information will be available two weeks prior to the conference at the latest.

Use the “Favorites” feature to mix and match papers or events from the conference schedule to plan your day.

You will find two kiosks in the registration areas offering live technical support during registration hours. For questions prior to the conference, please contact Bodo Albrecht at balbrecht@sabinmetal.com

We hope you will like this new conference feature and invite your feedback so we can improve it where necessary for future conferences.

 

Platinum Group Metals: staring down a cliff?

Posted on by Bodo Albrecht

TecDay Road to the Future – Drive TrainOne topic of my annual “Metal Megatrends” paper at the recent IPMI conference in Phoenix was sustainable mobility, and its impacts on metal consumption. In fact, if you read the story of how my column for Kitco News started four years ago (see the “Welcome” page of this blog), we have now reached a point where we can answer the question: “What if all cars in the world were electric?”.

The answer is now online on Kitco News (click here to read).

While my paper (available through the IPMI in a little while) was also critical regarding Tesla executives’ role in trash talking hydrogen it should also be disclosed that I am on the long list of people having pre-ordered a Model 3, and I share the admiration of Elon Musk by those who say he is shaping the world by his visions, perhaps in more significant ways than Steve Jobs ever has.

As a result of adding up all the facts in front of us the only logical conclusion is that the era of the internal combustion engine is coming to an end. There will be a long tail, of course, with cars being passed on from some regions of the world to others, and with heavy duty engines as an unresolved issue. What about collector’s cars? Will a “boutique” style infrastructure emerge where we buy fuel in new ways, or is it back to the pharmacy like in the early days of the automobile?

Last but certainly not least: what will happen to pgm markets in the meantime? Assuming that the fuel cell will eventually gain traction, the loss of platinum on emission control catalysts might be offset by the growth of the FCEV. Palladium, which is already used in some fuel cells, might once again play a role as a substitute. Only for rhodium the direction is unclear in this environment.

That said, the unique properties of precious metals have always made them desirable, if not irreplaceable, in technology applications. I am optimistic that new uses will emerge as technologies advance further.

40th Anniversary of the IPMI Conference coming up!

Posted on by Bodo Albrecht

Just a reminder that this year’s conference of the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) is less than a month out. It’s a special one, too, the 40th conference of its kind with an excellent program covering all aspects of the industry.

IPMI Conference Poster

I love this event because it is such a unique opportunity to catch up on current topics and trends combined with the opportunity to (re)connect and network with industry executives from around the world. If you need further convincing, the Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, is a truly spectacular venue.

I will be speaking as the first presenter in Session C at 10:00 am on Sunday morning, June 12, 2016. Session location are the Grand Canyon Ballrooms 9 & 10.

Head over to http://www.ipmi.org for reservations – looking forward to seeing you there!

IPMI Video Series on Precious Metals Analysis now complete

Posted on by Bodo Albrecht

IPMI Sampling and AnalysisThe International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) just released its fifth and final video on precious metals sampling and analysis. The list of videos was already contained in an earlier blog. You can see them all here, or you can go straight to YouTube and watch their latest only.

These videos were produced by Tom Bannos in collaboration and with contributions from many IPMI member companies. I like them because they are balanced enough to be interesting for a technical audience as well as for people with a general interest only. Strongly recommended viewing for anyone in the business.

IPMI’s Educational Videos on Precious Metals Sampling and Analysis

Posted on by Bodo Albrecht

As promised, here is part two of the IPMI video collection. This four-part series is on precious metals sampling and analysis.

Part 1: The Basics

Part 2: Preparation and Pitfalls to Avoid

Part 3: Instrumental Methods for Pt, Pd, Rh and other PGMs

Part 4: Fire Assay Explained

Part 5: Wet Chemistry and Gravimetric Analysis

IPMI’s Educational Videos on Precious Metals Mining and Exploration

Posted on by Bodo Albrecht

Over the past two years, the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) produced a series of educational videos on several different aspects of our industry. These videos were made with the input and support of IPMI members, corporations and individuals alike, who contributed decades of experiences to make them worthwhile. Reason enough to present them as a collection for those who haven’t seen them yet, and others who might refer to this blog as a reference point to find them later. I will amend the list as new videos come out, so please be sure to check back periodically. A second set of videos is about sampling. I will add these videos in a separate thread shortly.

Precious Metals Exploration and Prospecting: Gold, Silver and Platinum group metals.

Mining for Precious Metals explained: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium.

How to refine Precious Metals. Step 1: Concentration

How to refine Precious Metals. Hydrometallurgy: Part 1 – Leaching

How to refine Precious Metals. Hydrometallurgy: Part 2 – Concentration and Purification

How to refine Precious Metals. Hydrometallurgy Part 3 – Precipitation

How to refine Precious Metals. Hydrometallurgy Part 4 – Electrolysis

Pyrometallurgical Refining of Precious Metals. Part 1: Calcination and Roasting

Pyrometallurgical Refining of Precious Metals. Part 2: Gas, Reduction and Fusion

Gold – Catalyst for Solar Fuel

Posted on by Bodo Albrecht

DSC_3862 CroppedMacel Schreier is one of this year´s winners of the IPMI´s prestigious Student Awards. We had a long conversation at the conference and I attended his presentation on the work he is doing at his university. It was remarkable enough to warrant a follow-up on solar fuels, the result of which was just published on Kitco News. Click here to read the entire interview.

Bodo Albrecht Speaking at 39th IPMI Conference

Posted on by Bodo Albrecht

Coming up this weekend (June 13-16) is the 39th annual conference of the International Precious Metals Institute. Venue is the JW Marriott in San Antonio, Texas. Session topics include:

  1. It’s all about that Silver
  2. Precious Metals Mining, Metals and Investments
  3. Meanwhile in Europe… Precious Metals Issues
  4. What’s trending in Precious Metals?
  5. Good as Gold: Investments, Impacts and other Issues
  6. Analyze This: Precious Metals
  7. Recovery and Recycling of Precious Metals
  8. Fuel for Thought: Precious Metals and Energy
  9. Age of Tomorrow: Precious Metals Student Research
  10. What’s new: Precious Metals Technology
  11. Keeping you a Brief: Legal, Regulatory and Insurance Matters

I will report on new applications for precious metals entering the market in 2015/2016 in Session D on Sunday, June 14.

In a new segment, student award recipients will present their work – this is the first year in which the IPMI will honor especially gifted students and their professors / departments with new and prestigious awards.

If you haven’t registered yet you may do so at www.ipmi.org – see you in San Antonio!