MERI/J was founded in 1989 as a non-profit making research organization, supported by Japanese non-ferrous metal industries. Its principle aim is to promote economic research on a variety of issues related to the non-ferrous metals markets. Currently, MERI/J has 16 Full Members and 22 Associate Members (Non-ferrous metal smelting, wire & cable, brass mill, electric utilities, trading companies, and others).

Outline of MERI/J

The continued development and applications of non-ferrous metals are essential elements for the modern industrialized society. Non-ferrous metals are produced and utilized by wide ranges of industrial activities such as exploration, mining, smelting/refining and fabricating.

Nowadays, environmental issues are becoming more important for metal producers as well as end users such as the electronic, telecommunication and car industries. A lot of issues have to be studied thoroughly to obtain a proper understanding of the non-ferrous metal markets.

Non-ferrous metals are internationally traded commodities. Regional developments in non-ferrous metal supply and demand have significant impacts on these international markets. The recent volatility in Asian metal demand is a good example of this aspect. It is also paramount to note that development policies in mineral rich developing countries are critical for the growth of the international mining investments.