Coming together for a sustainable future for the lead industry

With just two weeks until Pb2019, ILA is readying itself to welcome over 150 delegates at the premier event for analysis and debate and on all matters relating to lead. This year we’re bringing together colleagues from around the world with our most diverse technical programme yet. Topics will cover industry trends, technological innovation, legislative changes, materials stewardship and the important role of communications for the lead industry and its applications.

Pb2019 is preceded on 19 June with a technical workshop for environment, health and safety (EHS) professionals to exchange best practice and continue the industry’s drive to maintain lead occupational exposure at the lowest practicable levels. We’re happy to be expecting over 70 delegates at this practical and hands-on session.

In the evening, we hope you can join us for the Pb2019 opening reception – an excellent opportunity to catch-up with friendly peers as well as building new networks with organisations from across the globe.

Pb2019 will be held in Madrid on 19-21 June 

We’ll kick off the main conference on 20 June with a focus on the future outlook for lead and lead batteries. Featuring leading global industry analysts from CRU, CHR Metals Limited and International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG), speakers will cover topics from primary lead production to e-bikes and the lead industry in China.

With global regulatory developments a vital issue in our industry, our Regulatory Affairs Director Steve Binks will present on the reality of regulatory threats to lead’s future. Circular economy is another hot topic which Markus Reuter from Germany’s Helmholtz-Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology will cover in the context of the fundamental role of lead metallurgy for circular economy.

We’re excited to introduce a new session to the Pb conference series, dedicated to innovation in advanced lead batteries. With the recent launch of the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI), a new technical roadmap has set out a research programme with performance targets designed to fast-track the development of the next generation of lead batteries. Alistair Davidson, Director of CBI, will present its future work plans, followed by Francisco Trinidad from Exide Europe presenting on recent advancements in lead battery technology and future innovation.

As the important role of energy storage in the sustainable future of our planet becomes clearer, Angie Rolufs from Paragon presents the opportunities for lead batteries in its applications, while L Pugazhenthy from the Indian Lead Zinc Development Association (ILZDA) gives additional insight on the increasing role of lead batteries in India’s expanding energy storage market.

Our final day in Madrid will encompass responsible management of metals, a key issue not just for lead, but across the whole metals sector. Demonstrating responsible management in the lead battery value chain has been identified as vital to ensuring the sustainable future of lead batteries. We will hear from John Atherton on Materials Stewardship, a programme designed to maximise the sustainability of metals. London Metal Exchange’s Hugh Brodie will also join to talk about their Responsible Sourcing Initiative.

Pb2019 is also pleased to welcome to our programme Richard Fuller, founder of NGO Pure Earth. Richard will provide insight into the challenge of informal battery recycling in low and middle-income countries, whilst also sharing his thoughts on the opportunity for solutions.

Other valuable insights on important initiatives designed to tackle reputational challenges associated with lead batteries will be presented by Jason Jones from Ecobat Technologies, Vijay Pareekh from Gravita India, and Johann-Friedrich Dempwolff from Clarios.

With the recent elections to the European parliament heralding the start of a new political era, it is fitting to close the event with a dive in to communications efforts both in Europe and  elsewhere around the world.

Our Director of Communications, Hywel Jarman, will highlight the importance of globally coordinated communication initiatives and messaging for both the lead and lead battery industries. Delegates will also hear from East Penn Manufacturing’s Donna Snyder on the particular role of companies in ensuring these initiatives are effective, while EUROBAT’s Gert Meylemans will focus on the EU communications programme on lead batteries. Lisa Dry from Battery Council International will close the conference with a presentation on the U.S communications initiative ‘Essential Energy Everyday’, telling the lead battery story in the U.S.

Although I cannot guarantee Madrid will maintain its currently sunny, 26°C days for us, we can surely agree that Pb2019 is set to be a tremendous event – I look forward to seeing you all there!