History & Change
Traders have always needed to meet face to face to discuss the market.
In the case of the exotic arena of by-product metals, no formal market existed until the 1970s. Just as London merchants in the 19th century met in the coffee houses of the City, and came together to found the insurance market which became 'Lloyds' or the terminal base metal market, which became the 'London Metal Exchange' (LME), so the MMTA was formed after meetings of like-minded merchants in August 1973.
Now in its 35th year, the MMTA is looking ahead to the future. Originally there were 19 members. Today there are 120 in over 20 countries.
Today the Minor Metals Trade Association comprises leading producers, consumer, traders, warehouses, lawyers, news organizations, assayers and other services to the metal trade as a whole. We are proud to encourage a wide international membership to make use of this organization and contribute to the way in which the minor metals trade is run.