Influencing the future of minting

In 1962, a group of Mint Directors and CEOs formed the Mint Directors’ Conference (MDC). This informal group hosted biennial industry conferences, creating a platform for collaboration and discussion. It enabled mints around the world to address shared challenges and opportunities.

The MDC continued to bring the minting industry together in an informal but highly effective manner. Through collegiality, the group fostered cooperation and enabled the exchange of ideas that strengthened the industry globally.

In recent years, the need to formalise the MDC gained momentum. This shift aimed to create a structured organisation capable of delivering more tangible value to the global minting community.

The Mint Directors’ Association (MDA) was formally registered as a private company in the United Kingdom on 11 October 2023. Six Directors were appointed, with Marie Lemay as the inaugural Chair. Ross MacDiarmid served as interim Executive Director to guide the organisation’s early days.

Former MDC members agreed to maintain an informal network for sovereign mints not joining the MDA. The International Mint Directors’ Network (IMDN) was created to enable annual gatherings and keep the broader minting community connected.

Mark Cartwright, a former Royal Australian Mint senior executive, became the MDA’s first Executive Director in January 2024. This appointment ensured the organisation’s operations were professionally managed. Soon after, the Associate Membership category was launched to diversify the MDA’s membership.