American Mining Congress (AMC)
The American Mining Congress (AMC) was established in 1897 as an industry association aimed at advocating for the interests of the U.S. mining sector on a national level. It represented a diverse membership, including producers, equipment manufacturers, and consulting and financial service providers, and modeled its organizational structure after the U.S. Congress. Initially based in Denver, Colorado, AMC moved its headquarters to Washington, D.C., in 1919. The organization played a significant role in addressing vital issues such as health and safety regulations, environmental impacts, public land access, taxation, and international competitiveness.
In 1995, AMC merged with the National Coal Association to create the National Mining Association (NMA), which now serves as a unified lobbying representative for the mining industry. Throughout its history, AMC contributed to the establishment of the U.S. Bureau of Mines and was instrumental in formulating federal safety standards. The association engaged in various activities, including lobbying efforts, collaboration with regulatory agencies, distribution of educational materials, organizing industry events, and supporting research initiatives, all aimed at promoting the sustainable and responsible use of mineral resources.
On this Page
Subject Terms
American Mining Congress (AMC)
- DATE: Established 1897
The American Mining Congress, an industry association, was created to promote the interests of the US mining industry on a national level. In 1995, it joined with the National Coal Association to form the National Mining Association.
Background
The American Mining Congress (AMC) was created in 1897 to represent the U.S. mining industry on national issues of concern for the industry. Member companies represent producers, equipment producers, and consulting and financial services providers. The AMC patterned its initial organizational structure after that of the US Congress. The first permanent office was established in Denver, Colorado, in 1904. AMC’s Washington, DC, office became the official headquarters in 1919. In April 1995, the AMC joined with the National Coal Association to form the broader-based National Mining Association (NMA) to act as a single lobbying voice for the mining industry.
Impact on Resource Use
The AMC was (and the NMA is) concerned with issues such as health and safety, access to public lands, the environment, taxation, and international competitiveness. The AMC had a role in the creation of the US Bureau of Mines in 1910 and was involved with the implementation of federal safety requirements and the establishment of industry standards. The AMC was involved in lobbying Congress, working with government agencies that regulate mining activities, distributing information and educational materials through its own publications and the news media, pursuing litigation initiatives, organizing trade shows and conferences, and supporting research.
Bibliography
"From the Mining Association: The Case for Coal." The New York Times, 11 Oct. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/10/11/opinion/letters/coal-emissions.html. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
"NMA Slams Illegal, Irresponsible Powerplant Rules; With Zero Analysis of the Collective Impact on Grid Reliability, EPA Imposes Suite of Rules Targeting Coal." National Mining Association, 25 Apr. 2024, nma.org/2024/04/25/nma-slams-illegal-irresponsible-powerplant-rules-with-zero-analysis-of-the-collective-impact-on-grid-reliability-epa-imposes-suite-of-rules-targeting-coal/. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.