Frank Nikolic

Vice President, Battery and Base Metals, N.America, CRU
Toronto, Canada

Frank has over two decades of experience in the mining industry, holding senior leadership roles across strategy, market intelligence, metallurgy, digital transformation, and global commercial operations. During his time at Vale Base Metals, Frank led initiatives that improved Vale Base Metals’ commercial operations, including overseeing global logistics, optimizing contract management, and implementing digital transformation projects that enhanced operational efficiency and provided valuable strategic insights.​ In his strategic planning and market intelligence roles, Frank helped shape Vale Base Metals’ approach to commodities such as nickel, copper, and cobalt, supporting the company's involvement in the energy transition and electric vehicle markets. His expertise guided commercial strategies and engaged investors and stakeholders through clear, forward-looking narratives about the future of these commodities.​ Now serving as Vice President for Base and Battery Metals in North America at CRU, Frank focuses on providing thought leadership and strategic guidance to support the commodity value chain as it adapts to meet the demands of a sustainable energy future. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mineral Processing from the University of Toronto and an MBA specializing in Strategic Planning and Industrial Relations from York University. Frank’s extensive background in both the technical and strategic aspects of the industry makes him well-positioned to address the opportunities and challenges in the evolving mining and metals landscape.
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Frank Nikolic