The National Mining Association (NMA) is the voice of the American mining industry in Washington, D.C. NMA is the only national trade organization that represents the interests of mining before Congress, the Administration, federal agencies, the judiciary and the media.

Our membership includes more than 325 corporations involved in all aspects of the mining industry including coal, metal and industrial mineral producers, mineral processors, equipment manufacturers, state associations, bulk transporters, engineering firms, consultants, financial institutions and other companies that supply goods and services to the mining industry. NMA provides a forum for all the diverse segments of the mining industry to come together and advocate public policies designed to protect and expand opportunities for domestic mining.

NMA is located in new headquarters at 101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite 500 East, across the street from the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., and can be reached at (p) 202-463-2600, (f) 202-463-2666 or e-mail craulston@nma.org.

History

The National Mining Association was formed as the result of the 1995 merger of the National Coal Association (NCA) and the American Mining Congress (AMC). While NMA is a relatively new organization in its current configuration, its predecessor organizations have a long history and tradition of representing the various segments of the mining industry. NCA was founded in 1917 and AMC in 1897.

NMA's mission is to create and maintain a broad base of political support for the mining industry and to help the nation realize the economic and national security benefits of America's domestic mining capability. Our objective is to engage in and influence the public policy process on the most significant and timely issues that impact our ability to locate, permit, mine, process, transport and utilize the nation's vast coal and mineral resources.

NMA serves its membership by:

• Promoting the production and use of coal and mineral resources produced by the U.S. mining industry;
• Establishing a strong political presence in the Nation's Capital on behalf of NMA's membership;
• Serving as the information center for and a single voice of the U.S. mining industry; and
• Addressing the current and future needs of the industry, mining equipment manufacturers and support services members of the association.

NMA is a 501(c) 6, non-profit trade association. The organization is governed by a board of directors consisting of CEO's from the coal, hardrock, equipment manufacturers and other vendor/supplier companies. The Board is responsible for the formulation of industry policy, based on recommendations from NMA's ten standing committees. Implementation of policy and programs is directed by the association's president and CEO and executed by staff with appropriate assistance and member involvement.

The association is currently led by Chairman of the Board, Jim Roberts, Chairman, President and CEO, Foundation Coal. Kraig R. Naasz, NMA President and Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the association's programs and activities.

Staff

NMA staff is comprised of experienced lobbyists, litigators, regulatory and communications experts. They know the mining industry and understand the complex issues that can impact the business now and in the future. They understand the political process -- how Congress and the regulatory agencies work -- and how to impact that process. They also understand the public relations challenges facing miners and the need to improve our image in the news media and with policy makers.