National Mining Association (NMA)
The National Mining Association (NMA) is a key organization representing the U.S. mining industry, formed from the merger of the National Coal Association and the American Mining Congress. This merger, which combined two historic organizations established in the early 20th century, aims to unite various stakeholders within the mining sector, including companies involved in coal, metals, hard rock, and minerals, as well as equipment manufacturers, transporters, and support service firms. The NMA's primary mission is to promote the responsible development and use of mineral resources found in U.S. mines, advocating for both domestic consumption and international exports.
The association maintains a significant political presence in Washington, D.C., where it lobbies on behalf of the mining industry and participates in international discussions related to mining interests. It has established political action committees, COALPAC and MinePAC, to further its advocacy objectives. Additionally, the NMA provides legal support to its members in various regulatory and judicial matters and engages in public education initiatives to raise awareness about the essential role of minerals in everyday products. This overview encapsulates the NMA’s commitment to representing and supporting the diverse aspects of the mining industry in the United States.
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National Mining Association (NMA)
Date: Established 1995
The National Mining Association promotes American mining products in national and international markets and represents the mining industry before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, state governments, and international agencies.
Background
The National Mining Association (NMA) was formed by the merger of the National Coal Association and the American Mining Congress. The National Coal Association was formed in 1917 and the American Mining Congress in 1897. The merger of these two strong groups enabled a single voice to represent all the businesses affiliated with the U.S. mining industry. Groups belonging to the NMA include mining companies (in the areas of coal, metals, hard rock, and minerals), mining equipment manufacturers, mineral processors, bulk transporters, and financial and engineering firms and other support services companies.
Impact on Resource Use
The purpose of the NMA is to promote mineral resources developed from U.S. mines. The organization fosters both domestic use and exports to international markets. It maintains a strong political presence in Washington, D.C., and represents U.S. mining interests in international deliberations. The NMA has two political action committees, COALPAC and MinePAC. The NMA provides legal counsel and representation in judicial, administrative, and regulatory proceedings that involve the U.S. mining industry. Finally, the NMA conducts public education programs, informing people of their dependency on minerals that are used in producing common items such as carpeting, telephones, automobiles, and even doorknobs.
Bibliography
National Mining Association.