Robin Francois | Head of Lithium
Glencore

Robin is a Swiss Engineer with over 15 years of experience at Glencore, specializing in the trading of base metals and critical minerals including Copper, Cobalt, Lead, Tin, and Lithium. Currently, he heads the Lithium desk, a role he has held for the past four years, during which he has successfully positioned Glencore as one of the largest lithium traders globally. His expertise extends to structuring oƯtake contracts and financing transactions for mining projects worldwide, exemplified by his role in securing a $400 million prepay facility for Eramet’s lithium project in Argentina. As a pioneer in developing the spot market for lithium, Robin has shifted the industry from traditional annual contracts to more dynamic spot trading models.

He is dedicated to developing new lithium supply chains globally, contributing to the energy transition and the automotive industry's evolution.