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Trafigura’s Transparency Gap: From Venezuelan Oil Deals to Korea Zinc’s $6.6bn Risk

Nyrstar Zinc processing plant The True Cost of a Convenient Partner When governments or corporations need to move vast quantities of commodities quickly, few firms can match Trafigura’s global reach. The Washington Post recently reported that the U.S. administration selected Trafigura to execute Venezuelan oil sales because of its logistics network, financial capacity and speed of execution. But the article also highlights a deeper tension: Trafigura’s strength is repeatedly

Public Interest

Apr 102 min read

Trafigura Faces Another Scandal: A Pattern Too Familiar to Ignore

A new day, a new scandal. Commodity trading giants Vitol and Trafigura are now under investigation for fraud in Bolivia. This time, the accusations involve the smuggling of poor quality gasoline that is reportedly damaging vehicles across the country. This case does not stand alone. It adds to a growing list of controversies involving Trafigura in recent years. In Belgium a criminal investigation into the transfer of assets from zinc smelter Nyrstar to Trafigura is still ongo

Trafigura

Apr 63 min read

The Korea Zinc Case: When Strategic Investments Meet Legal Uncertainty

Korea Zinc's ambitious $6.6 billion plan to build cutting-edge smelting infrastructure in the United States represents exactly the kind of investment Washington seeks. The strategy is clear: extract critical minerals domestically, reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, and secure Tennessee's zinc operations as the foundation for American mineral independence. On paper, it's a win-win. In reality, it may be built on contested legal ground. A Foundation Built on Disputed Own

Public Interest

Apr 12 min read

Korea Zinc's $6.6 Billion Question: Does Trafigura Actually Own What It's Selling?

After acquiring Nyrstar’s U.S. assets from Trafigura, Korea Zinc is planning to invest $6.6 billion in building a state-of-the-art smelter allowing it to extract critical minerals. The operation includes acquiring Nyrstar's Tennessee mines and smelter from Trafigura, alongside the U.S. This in an effort to allow the U.S. to regain independence from China in the critical minerals market. But there's a critical risk: Trafigura may not be legally in position to sell what it inte

Public Interest

Feb 243 min read

Finally, clear language from the Justice Department

Minister Annelies Verlinden is requesting an additional €1 billion for structural investments in her department. Her message is sobering: “ I refuse to accept that the next social tragedies are waiting to happen in the offices of the public prosecutors. To prevent this, we must invest in every link in the chain. And anyone who thinks this money is not necessary should speak up. " Annelies Verlinden - © Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union / Julien Nizet A w

Public Interest

Sep 14, 20252 min read