Stephen Rowland Appointed President of International Copper Association

Stephen Rowland has been appointed as the new President of the International Copper Association (ICA), succeeding Shehzad Bharmal, Executive Vice President and COO of Teck Resources, who led the ICA for the past two years.

Glencore, a prominent member of the ICA since 2013, remains actively involved in the organization, which serves as a global advocate for copper, promoting its usage and applications. The ICA is launching a new strategic plan to position copper as a critical material for sustainability, focusing on aspects such as carbon footprint, responsible production, and circularity. The organization’s market intelligence and research are aimed at protecting copper markets and supporting its demand as a key material for the future.

Glencore, a major global producer of copper, plays a role across the entire copper supply chain, from mining to refining and recycling. The company is committed to responsible sourcing of materials essential to daily life and is working towards achieving net zero industrial emissions by 2050. In alignment with the ICA's mission, Glencore will collaborate with the association to promote responsible production practices. Rowland’s leadership is expected to drive the shared goals of both organizations.

Speaking on his new role, Rowland emphasized the importance of copper in the transition to a sustainable future. "Copper is one of the essential elements of our future. We need to ensure that we supply this essential metal in a sustainable and responsible way, enabling a circular economy and the shift to clean energy. The ICA plays a vital role in supporting our industry’s efforts to achieve these goals."

Juan Ignacio Diaz, ICA’s CEO, expressed confidence in Rowland's leadership, stating, “I am grateful to Steve Rowland for accepting this role as we implement our new strategic plan. Copper is crucial to addressing the global challenges of climate change, digitization, and globalization. We don’t just need more copper, but better copper.”