Stephen Hall, MMTA Chairman
Dear MMTA members and delegates,
Welcome to Vancouver.
This conference marks the end of my three years as Chair and nine years on the Board of the MMTA—and it is a moment I approach wondering where the last nine years have gone…
When I joined the Board in 2017, I could not have anticipated the scale of change that lay ahead. The years since have test-ed our industry—and the world—in ways that none of us could have foreseen. The number of times the word ‘unprecedented’ has been used is, well, unprecedented. Supply chains have been disrupted, markets reshaped, and minor metals have moved from the shadows firmly into the critical mineral geopolitical spotlight.
The MMTA is far more than an association. It is a collective of people and organisations who understand the essential role our industry plays—often quietly, but always critically—in enabling modern life. From aerospace and energy to electronics and defence, the minor (and critical) metals we represent sit at the heart of global progress.
In the face of disruption and turbulent times, the MMTA has not stood still. It has adapted, evolved, and grown stronger. Today, it is more relevant than ever—better representing its members, a never-ending list of discounts, offers, free training sessions, services, advice and now a dedicated app too. The MMTA is more engaged with governments and policy-makers and increasingly recognised as a trusted voice in discussions around critical minerals, supply chain resilience, and responsible sourcing. The MMTA sets the standard, literally!
What makes the MMTA community special is its ability to bring together voices from across the world—industry and academia alike—and create a platform where knowledge is shared openly, relationships are built, and understanding is deepened. At a time when nations are reassessing security of supply and the role of strategic materials, this community has never been more important.
None of this happens by chance. I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated team. Polina and Natasha, and our outstanding General Manager, Freya, are the driving force behind everything the MMTA delivers. I have both deep gratitude for their support and admiration for their commitment. I have also been humbled to work with incredi-bly talented board members, who all serve voluntarily, and I am thankful for their support.
It has also been a privilege to be part of what I genuinely believe has been a defining period for the MMTA. Our conferences continue to grow in both scale and impact—with Singapore and Lisbon setting new benchmarks—and the strength of engagement across our global membership reflects the increasing importance of what we do.
As I step down, I do so with enormous confidence in what lies ahead. The MMTA is not just in a strong position—it is an or-ganisation with momentum, purpose, and a clear role to play in shaping the future of our industry at a time when that fu-ture is becoming ever more strategically important.
For me, it has been an honour to serve. I leave with a deep respect for the MMTA community, but I look forward to a bit more free time and watching the MMTA continue to grow from the sidelines.
Thank you.
Stephen Hall
MMTA Chair
