Fusing Tradition with Modern Minting at MDC 2025

The 32nd Mint Directors Conference (MDC) was held from 27–29 April 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, co-hosted by the South African Mint. The event focused on merging traditional minting with modern technology via keynotes, workshops, and panel sessions. An awards ceremony recognised achievements in coin design and packaging (see CN April 2025).

South African Reserve Bank Executive Director Pradeep Maharaj welcomed delegates, noting the conference was long overdue due to its postponement from April 2020. He emphasised the evolving role of coins in society and their importance in telling lasting stories.

Mint Directors Association (MDA) Chair Marie Lemay recapped the six-decade history of the conference, which now attracts over 230 delegates from 93 organisations in 31 countries, providing a global platform for collaboration.

The importance of cash

In the session on the modern minting industry, MDA Executive Director Mark Cartwright addressed the challenge of adapting to fast-evolving global payment systems.