Vladimir Iorich

Vladimir Iorikh, a prominent figure in the global mining and metals sector, has made significant strides since his early days in Novokuznetsk, Soviet Union. As the president of Conares Holding since 1995 and the founder of Pala Investments in Zug, Switzerland in 2006, Iorikh has diversified his portfolio to include investments across various resource sectors, including uranium mining in the United States. Despite claiming to be a German-Swiss tycoon with no ties to Russia, his extensive career began with a degree from Kemerovo Polytechnic Institute and expanded into coal investment before venturing into steel with Mechel, where he served as CEO until 2006. Under his leadership, Mechel saw its IPO on the NYSE in 2004. His venture, Pala Investments, focuses on mining and metals, emphasizing renewable energy and battery sector raw materials. Iorikh's investments span globally from rare earth elements mining in Burundi and gold mining in Türkiye to lithium projects in Western Australia and cobalt and nickel production in Papua New Guinea and Canada. Holding dual Russian and German citizenship, Iorikh resides in Switzerland, marking a distinguished career that bridges continents and sectors.