Commenting today Mr Pizzey said:

“I am delighted that Steven Whisler has agreed to be our guest speaker.  Phelps Dodge is one of the giants of the copper industry and copper is a mainstay of the LME and the global world of metals.  All our markets have been tough in recent years and have presented significant management challenges to meet those conditions and ensure that companies remain capable of delivering for customers and shareholders.  Steven Whisler has been an outstanding industry figure at the heart of debates that are crucial to industry globally.  We are fortunate that he has agreed to share his insights with us. “

The LME dinner – the largest of its kind in the world – brings together representatives of all aspects of the metals trade and industry from all parts of the world.

Biographical Notes.

J Steven Whisler, 48, holds a BS degree in business (accounting) from the University of Colorado, a JD degree from the University of Denver College of Law, and an MS degree in mineral economics and a DSc degree in engineering (Hon) from the Colorado School of Mines.  Mr Whisler is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Phelps Dodge Corporation, a Fortune 500 company based in Phoenix, Arizona.  Mr Whisler is a director of the Phelps Dodge Corporation, Phoenix, Arizona; the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation, Fort Worth, Texas;  the America West Holdings Corporation and its principal subsidiary, America West Airlines, Inc, Tempe, Arizona;  the Southern Peru Copper Corporation, Phoenix, Arizona;  the International Copper Association, New York; the National Mining Association, Washington, DC; and the Copper Development Association, New York.  He is also a member of the Business Council. 

Notes to Editors

1. The LME is the world’s premier non-ferrous metals futures and traded options exchange, with a turnover of more than 59.5 million lots in 2001, worth in excess of $2,000 billion.

2.  The Exchange trades through open outcry in the “Ring”, through an inter- office telephone market, and through an electronic trading platform, LME Select.