Asian Metal visits the Minor Metals Trade Association of the United Kingdom

On 17 September 2013, Thomas Houghton, rare earth market analyst at Asian Metal, visited the Minor Metals Trade Association of the United Kingdom (shorted for MMTA). The MMTA hosted an evening reception to celebrate the opening of its new offices located in Whitehall, at the heart of London’s political district. Guests included a range of MMTA staff and its member organisations.

Asian Metal discussed recent developments in the rare earths and minor metals markets with representatives of various UK-based companies. Amongst these were traders and traffic managers from Wogen, RJH, SFP, Darton and Lipmann Walton, as well as staff from the MMTA itself. All were complimentary of Asian Metal’s work, its standing in the minor metals and rare earth markets and the accuracy of the information it supplies to its clients.

Topics discussed at the reception included the development of the Russian rare earth sector following the news that IST Group and Rostec are to form a joint venture processing rare earth cement in Yekaterinburg, the ongoing crackdown on illicit mining and smuggling of rare earths from China and the subsequent price spikes seen in global markets, and prospects for growth in individual rare earth sectors.

Asian Metal also spoke with the MMTA managing staff about the organisation and its role in the industry. Despite its new offices being located in Whitehall, the MMTA’s manager explained to Asian Metal that the organisation did not necessarily see itself as a lobbying body. Instead, it is designed as a forum and facilitator for its members to use, as well as an educational body for increasing awareness of issues related to the trade of minor metals. Further, its new offices will provide members with meeting space, in a prestigious and easily accessible location.