The members of the National Mining Association share a mutual responsibility with all Americans to ensure that our actions meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. This simple statement defines the concept of sustainable development, a concept that is embraced by the American mining industry and reflected in our operations in the United States and abroad.

As the American experience demonstrates, the mining industry produces energy, metals and minerals that are essential to economic prosperity and a better quality of life. The fundamental benefits of mining industry products to modern economic and social development and to environmental improvement are well known.

Equally important are the economic benefits that mining provides to the communities where it is located. These benefits are derived from employment, wages, economic activity due to purchases of goods and services, and from the payment of taxes, royalties and fees to local, state and national governments.

As important as these benefits are, America's mining industry recognizes that the activity of developing a natural resource, like the creation of any product, may impose costs and impacts on communities and on the environment. The members of the National Mining Association accept the very important responsibility of taking these factors into account and taking prudent steps to balance benefits with any adverse impacts that our business may have. We also recognize the responsibility to participate and contribute, along with other stakeholders, e.g., communities and governments, in a decision making process that allows development to proceed in a way that balances social, economic and environmental considerations.

Energy Policy