Eric Taarland

Trader @AXAYA AG

Zug, Zug, Switzerland

About

Currently a Trader at AXAYA AG, a trading company based in Zug, Switzerland. Initial focus on sourcing copper in Africa, with a view to growing the portfolio in line with the company‘s growing ambitions. Most recently working for Neometals Ltd engaged as General Manager Marketing for the company's Vanadium Recovery Project in Pori, Finland. In this role I had primary responsibility for the sales of the project's products and successfully negotiated and closed an offtake agreement with a major international trading house. Prior to this, worked as Sales Manager Cobalt for world's second largest producer, handling a sales book of up to $200m of metal and concentrates from Zambia and DRC. Also served on the Board of Directors, Management Committee and Executive Committee of the Cobalt Institute (formerly Cobalt Development Institute) Background in sales and business development in the beverage sector. Previously involved in analysis and consultancy within the metals and mining sector, as a member of the Steel raw materials team at CRU International in London. Moved on to product development at the London Metal Exchange where my focus was on identifying and developing new product ideas. Led promotion of newer existing contracts (cobalt and molybdenum), including presenting at industry events while maintaining relationships with producers, consumers, traders and brokers. More recently working for EVRAZ (East Metals AG) as Head of Marketing for the Vanadium Business Unit. Key focus areas include tracking global supply and demand in order to highlight opportunities and helping to develop and implement strategic planning. Developing market entry and pricing strategies. Management of internal projects. Founding member of VANITEC Market Development Committee Specialties: Previous focus on market outlooks, monthly market reports and consultancy assignments within the Cobalt, Vanadium and Molybdenum markets. Team and project management experience. Research, analysis, sales, Marketing and business development experience gained in the consultancy sector as well as at the producer/trader level.

Experience

  • Trader at AXAYA AG
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

  • General Manager - Marketing (Vanadium Recovery Project) at Neometals Ltd
    Apr 2022 - Dec 2023 · 1 yr 9 mos

    -Responsible for all sales/marketing activities for the Vanadium Recovery Project (VRP) -With a targeted start in 2026, the VRP will produce high-purity vanadium pentoxide in Pori, Finland, using vanadium-bearing slag from three SSAB plants -Negotiated and closed offtake agreement with major international trader -Member of the Vanitec Market Development Committee -Member of the Vanitec Energy Storage Committee

  • Sales Manager, Cobalt at Eurasian Resources Group
    May 2015 - Feb 2021 · 5 yrs 10 mos

    -Responsible for the sales and marketing of ERG's cobalt products (metal and concentrates/intermediates) globally -Managing a sales book of ca USD100-200m -Member of the Board of Directors/Executive Committee of the Cobalt Institute

  • Cobalt Institute (Part-time · 5 yrs 9 mos)
    • Executive Committee
      Jan 2020 - Jan 2021 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Board Member
      May 2015 - Dec 2019 · 4 yrs 8 mos

  • Head of Marketing, Vanadium Business Unit at EVRAZ
    Nov 2013 - Sep 2014 · 11 mos

    Responsible for global marketing activities of EVRAZ's vanadium business. Developing and maintaining a market reporting system, developing market entry and pricing strategies, working with sales and management to identify and seize new sales opportunities. Press and media relations, as well as internal communications and reporting