Commodity Corner

The lobby of the Hotel Hyatt in Santiago is abuzz. Look at the bar area, poolside, or anywhere where else and you’ll see people deep in conversation, in pairs, threes or fours. Take another snapshot a half hour later and the same spaces will be occupied by different faces.If it weren’t for the relative lack of women, you’d think this was speed-dating – quick meetings and quick decisions about whether or not to continue with a relationship.

In fact, these are high-powered executives from some of the world’s largest copper companies, producers, buyers and sellers, and they are in Chile to do business.

“I can tell you that I plan to meet with all of my clients this week, from Antofagasta, from Codelco, from Billiton, whoever makes copper,” said one chief executive in Santiago for the annual CRU/Cesco copper week.