International Zinc Association (IZA) has announced that Boliden President and CEO Mikael Staffas has been appointed as the new Chairperson. The announcement was made today following confirmation by the IZA Board of Directors during its annual meeting held in conjunction with LME Week.
Expressing his gratitude for the election, Mr. Staffas conveyed his eagerness to support the IZA in its mission to create sustainable, long-term markets for zinc. He emphasised the importance of ensuring a social license to operate for the industry and guiding significant initiatives, including the Zinc Enables Decarbonization programme, the Zinc Battery Initiative, and the Galvanized Autobody Partnership. With an annual market valued at approximately $40 billion, zinc is the fourth most produced base metal in the world.
“The IZA plays a crucial role in growing global demand for zinc and promoting its essentiality to modern life – in health, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and the automotive sector,” Mr. Staffas stated. “I look forward to driving progress in all these areas, alongside a focus on zinc’s inherent sustainability, increasing circularity, and decreasing carbon footprint.”
Dr. Andrew Green, Executive Director of the IZA, praised Mr. Staffas’s extensive experience, noting his significant contributions on the IZA Executive Committee and his successful leadership of Boliden, a leading global zinc producer. “We are thrilled he is stepping into this leadership role at IZA. I look forward to collaborating with him on steering IZA and the zinc industry through the opportunities and challenges ahead,” he said. Dr. Green also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chair, Arun Misra of Hindustan Zinc Limited, for his exemplary leadership and governance over the past three years.
Zinc is widely recognised for its vital role across various sectors, including construction, renewable energy, and automotive manufacturing. The metal is particularly valued for its durability and resistance to corrosion, making it an essential material for infrastructure and industrial applications. As global demand for zinc continues to rise, the IZA aims to highlight its importance in achieving sustainability goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing circular economy initiatives.
Mr. Staffas’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for the zinc industry, as it faces increasing pressure to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory environments. The IZA’s strategic initiatives will focus on fostering innovation, improving sustainability practices, and ensuring that zinc remains a key material in the transition to a greener economy.
As the new Chairperson, Mr. Staffas will work closely with industry stakeholders to promote best practices, share knowledge, and support the development of new technologies that leverage zinc’s unique properties. His appointment is expected to strengthen the IZA’s position as a leading authority on zinc and its applications, further driving awareness of the metal’s contributions to modern life and its potential to support sustainable development goals.
For more information about the IZA and its initiatives, please visit their website.
