LATEST PRESS RELEASES

December 21, 2005
NMA Commends House Task Force for NEPA Recommendations
National Mining Association President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz today complimented Representative Cathy McMorris and the House Task Force on Updating the National Environmntal Policy Act (NEPA) for their helpful recommendations designed to improve the law:

December 20, 2005
Department of Labor's Training Grants are Vital Tool for Meeting Mining's Workforce Needs
"The announcement today by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao of more than $9 million in grants to address the training needs of the mining industry's expanding workforce is welcome news. These grants, which will provide simulators, distance learning, mobile classrooms and traditional classroom instruction in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, are a vital tool for meeting our employment and training requirements," according to National Mining Association President & CEO Kraig R. Naasz.

December 14, 2005
NMA Thanks House and Senate Leaders for Their Efforts on Mining Law
The following statement was issued today by NMA President & CEO Kraig R. Naasz in response to the announcement by Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Jim Gibbons regarding Mining Law provisions in the House Deficit Reduction bill:

December 6, 2005
FutureGen Partnership Opens New Era for Clean Coal Power Generation
Today NMA President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz released the following statement after Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman announced the creation of a new partnership between the FutureGen Industrial Alliance and the Department of Energy for the purpose of financing construction and operation of FutureGen, a prototype power plant for generating hydrogen energy from coal with near zero-emissions:

November 18, 2005
National Mining Association (NMA) applauds passage of Mining Law Reform; urges Senate support
The following statement was issued today by National Mining Association (NMA) President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz upon passage of the House deficit reduction bill, which includes provisions amending the General Mining Law.

October 18, 2005
Mining Leader Salutes Senators for Supporting Coal Conversion Technology
By a voice vote today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee accepted an amendment to the "Gas Price Act" (S. 1772) that would have expanded the definition of "refineries" to include coal-to-fuels facilities. S. 1772 failed to clear the Committee, however, after failing to garner a majority. The following statement is from NMA president and CEO, Kraig R. Naasz:

October 18, 2005
Mining Group Urges Senate Approval of Refinery Measure
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Mining Association (NMA) today urged the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to expand the definition of "refinery" in S. 1772 to include any facility capable of using coal as a feedstock.

October 6, 2005
Mining Leader Urges Congressional Approval of Coal Refinery, New Source Review Measures
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote tomorrow on "The Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005," which contains important provisions for broadening the definition of "refinery" to include facilities using hydrocarbon fuels such as coal as a feedstock. The bill would encourage use of modern coal-to-liquid technologies by making them eligible for any incentives offered to boost fuel refining capacity in the wake of Gulf Coast storms. It also improves New Source Review procedures that will facilitate modernization of power plants. NMA president and CEO Kraig R. Naasz issued the following statement today in support of the House bill:

October 5, 2005
Coal Liquefaction Technology Is Ready to Meet U.S. Fuel Needs, Says Mining Industry Leader
Washington, D.C. — As Congress moves this week to boost refining capacity following last month's hurricane damage to U.S. oil and gas facilities, lawmakers should give strong consideration to using the nation's abundant and affordable supply of coal as a transportation fuel.

September 30, 2005
Mining Industry Names New Directors and Officers For Trade Group
Washington, D.C. The National Mining Association (NMA) named a new slate of senior industry leaders to its board of directors at its annual board meeting in Washington recently.

September 21, 2005
Exceptional U.S. Mine Safety Recognized by Department of Labor Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C. Twenty American mining companies won recognition from the U.S. Department of Labor today for outstanding achievements in mine safety during 2004. The annual "Sentinels of Safety Awards," cosponsored by the Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Mining Association (NMA), were presented at a luncheon ceremony during NMA's Board of Director's meeting.

September 21, 2005
Mining Industry Welcomes ESA Reform Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. Bipartisan legislation sponsored by House Resources Chairman Richard Pombo and 15 cosponsors to reform the embattled 1973 Endangered Species Act won the backing of the U.S. mining industry for its emphasis on science-based decision-making and its provisions for giving private landowners a greater voice in consultations with federal agencies.

September 20, 2005
U.S. Mining Companies Win Prestigious Reclamation, Environmental Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C. Ten U.S. coal and mineral mining companies won annual awards from Federal agencies today for their outstanding reclamation and environmental accomplishments at more than a dozen mining operations across the country. The annual awards, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Interior, were presented in ceremonies during the fall Board of Directors meeting of the National Mining Association (NMA).

September 20, 2005
Mining Industry Joins New Initiative to Reforest Appalachia
WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Mining Association (NMA) today committed the nation's coal companies to join with the U.S. Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and seven states in the Appalachian region in an ambitious reforestation program designed to protect and expand growth of the region's valuable hardwood forests.

September 16, 2005
NMA Hosts 2005 Mine Safety, Reclamation and Environmental Awards
At separate ceremonies in Washington, D.C. next week, NMA invites interested press to attend the Department of Interior's Annual Reclamation Awards Dinner on Tuesday, September 20, at 6:00 p.m., and a separate ceremony to honor winners of the Department of Labor's Sentinels of Safety Awards at a luncheon on Wednesday, September 21, at Noon.

September 9, 2005
NMA urges Senate to reject onerous mercury resolution
The following statement was released today by National Mining Association (NMA) President and CEO Kraig Naasz in advance of Senate vote on Senate Joint Resolution 20 sponsored by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) to rescind the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Mercury Rule.

August 2, 2005
National Mining Association Names Kraig R. Naasz to Lead Organization
The National Mining Association (NMA), headquartered in Washington, D.C., today announced the selection of Kraig R. Naasz as president and CEO, effective September 6. In his new position, Naasz will advance the public policy objectives of the nation's domestic mining industry at a time of unparalleled demand for the coal, minerals and metals produced by NMA's member companies.

July 26, 2005
NMA Statement Urging Congressional Passage of The Energy Bill
NMA Senior Vice President Hal Quinn issued the following statement after House and Senate conferees approved comprehensive energy legislation for full congressional consideration this week:

June 28, 2005
NMA Leader Applauds Senate, Urges Prompt Action By Energy Conferees
"US coal and mineral companies, along with hundreds of manufacturing and service firms that supply our industry, applaud the Senate for passing a comprehensive energy bill that will strengthen the American economy, diversify its energy sources, and lessen its dependence on foreign energy."

June 18, 2005
The Time Is Right to Improve Law Mandating Environmental Review Says Mining Spokeswoman
LAKESIDE, AZ The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) should be modernized to benefit both the environment and the economy - neither of which is served well by current application of the 35-year-old law, said a spokesperson representing the Women's Mining Coalition at a congressional field hearing today. The hearing, held by the House Resources Committee, is one of a series examining how NEPA is working.

June 15, 2005
Bingaman Amendment Punishes Coal Communities and Raises Energy Costs to Consumers Nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. Twenty-six coal-rich states will be far poorer, and American consumers will face higher electricity bills, if the Senate adopts costly amendments for rationing use of the nation's most abundant fuel.

June 10, 2005
NMA Sets Record Straight on NCEP Economic Analysis; Opposes NCEP-based Amendments to Energy Bill
Senator Jeff Bingaman reportedly is leading an effort to amend the Senate Energy bill with a provision based on the National Commission on Energy Policy's (NCEP) proposal to curb green house gases from coal-based power plants. The NCEP proposal would mandate a cap and trade program for CO2, including a so-called "safety value" that initially assesses an energy tax of up to $7 per ton.

May 18, 2005
Senate Boosts Clean Coal, Strengthens US Energy Security
Senator Pete Domenici this morning led his Energy and Natural Resources Committee to quick approval of coal provisions designed to enhance prospects for the development and implementation of clean coal technologies that are critical for meeting US electricity demand. The following statement is from NMA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, John Shelk:

May 11, 2005
Significant Mercury Emissions Reductions Highlight Mining Industry TRI Data
Washington, DC (May 11, 2005) - The National Mining Association (NMA) today provided summary information on the industry's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reports for calendar year 2003. Among the data provided in the report are the initial results of the Voluntary Mercury Reduction Program (VMRP) that was implemented by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP) in 2002, with the approval of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program covers major gold mining operations in Nevada, where most of the nation's gold is mined.

April 21, 2005
Senate Coal Hearing Resumes Today
Senate Energy Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-NM) will reconvene his hearing on the contributions of US coal to the nation's energy supply beginning at 3:00 PM today in Dirksen 366. The Committee's hearing is especially important given Senate consideration of a comprehensive energy bill now before the House that will stimulate further clean coal utilization to meet the nation's growing needs for electricity. NMA's Chief Economist, Connie Holmes, issued the following statement:

April 21, 2005
NMA Urges Prompt Senate Action on Energy Bill
"The House deserves congratulations for coming together and passing bipartisan, comprehensive legislation that will lessen America's growing dependence on foreign energy sources, stimulate development and use of new clean coal technologies, and provide more incentives for energy conservation.

April 20, 2005
Mining Industry Hails Support for Energy Bill
Washington, D.C. The US mining industry today joined a growing list of consumer and industrial groups calling on Congress to pass comprehensive legislation that will increase energy conservation, fuel diversity, and clean coal utilization.

April 6, 2005
Mining Industry Applauds Bipartisan NEPA Scrutiny
WASHINGTON, DC The announcement today of a bipartisan House task force to study implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is welcome news to the US mining industry, said National Mining Association president and CEO Jack Gerard.

April 5, 2005
Support Energy Bill Now Says Mining Industry
WASHINGTON, DC Tight energy supplies and increasing dependence on offshore energy sources argue strongly for congressional passage of a comprehensive energy bill that favors advanced coal technologies, said a leader of the US mining industry today.

March 23, 2005
NMA's Gerard to Head American Chemistry Council
WASHINGTON, DC National Mining Association President and CEO Jack Gerard today announced his decision to accept the position of president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) in Arlington, VA, effective July 1, 2005.

March 15, 2005
Critics of Mercury Rule Overlook its benefits
"In addition to entirely overlooking the economic implications from higher energy prices, critics who fault EPA's rule miss two obvious points - this is the first rule ever designed to reduce mercury emissions from these sources, and it will achieve impressive reductions.

March 15, 2005
King Coal is Ruling the Electric Power Market
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – High natural gas prices and a growing need for secure, stable supplies of domestic energy are prompting a boom in coal used by US power plants, said a leading industry spokesman at a conference here today.

March 10, 2005
Demand and Advancing Technology Drive Coal Use
"Key economic and environmental fundamentals will continue to drive the demand for increased coal-based electricity generation for at least the next 20 years," NMA President and CEO Jack Gerard today told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's Future of Coal Conference.

March 9, 2005
Electric Power Industries Say New Technologies Key to Clean Coal
Washington - Representatives of coal-producing and using industries today said technological innovation will enable the nation to use coal, its most abundant energy source, for generating the growing need for electric power with ultra-low emissions.

March 9, 2005
Coal Industry Leader Says Senate Vote Delays Cleaner Air for All Americans
The following statement from National Mining Association President and CEO Jack Gerard follows today's vote by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to not report out Clear Skies legislation for full Senate consideration:

February 28, 2005
Industry Leader Says Federal Policy Stifles Western Mining
NMA President Prods Washington to Expedite Permit Process for Mineral Mining

February 16, 2005
NMA Statement on Clear Skies Reschedule
The following statement from National Mining Association President and CEO Jack Gerard responds to the announcement this morning that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will reschedule mark up of the Clear Skies bill.

February 16, 2005
Energy Bill Urgently Needed Now Says Mining Industry
The nation's growing energy needs and its increasing dependence on energy imports argue strongly for prompt passage of a comprehensive energy bill that will stimulate utilization of clean coal, our most abundant fuel, said the U.S. mining industry today in testimony before a panel of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

February 3, 2005
NMA Applauds President's Energy and Environmental Initiatives
National Mining Association President and CEO Jack Gerard released the following statement today in response to the President's State of the Union Message:

February 2, 2005
Mining Industry Urges Prompt Passage of Clear Skies Act
The following statement from National Mining Association President and CEO Jack Gerard responds to today's Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on S. 131, the Clear Skies Act of 2005:

January 26, 2005
Senator Voinovich Lauded for Launching Multi-Emissions Debate
Today Chairman Voinovich's Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety will hold a hearing on the pressing need for multi-emissions legislation. Legislation like Clear Skies is designed to build on environmental progress from coal-based power plants by ensuring a further 70 percent reduction in emissions. The following statement from National Mining Association President and CEO Jack Gerard applauds the Senator for making the legislation a top priority in 2005:

January 24, 2005
Coal Holds Key to Solving Natural Gas Crisis
WASHINGTON, DC Coal, America's most secure and abundant fuel, can generate more electric power for consumers and manufacturers, and lessen the current cost burden of using natural gas, said the National Mining Association (NMA) today.

January 11, 2005
Coal and Mineral Outlook Shines Bright for 2005
Washington, DC - Expanding industrial economies and China's voracious appetite for coal and minerals will continue to spur strong demand for U.S.-mined coal and minerals this year. That's the conclusion of the 2005 Economic Forecast released today by the National Mining Association (NMA), the industry's national trade group. NMA predicts record-breaking U.S. coal production in 2005 and an increase in production at U.S. copper and gold mines.

January 3, 2005
U.S. Mining Industry Hails New Safety Record
Washington, DC - In 2004 the U.S. coal and mineral/metals industry achieved a new safety record for the fewest fatalities and injuries in modern history, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The 53 fatalities bested the previous record in 2003, making 2004 the fourth consecutive year of declining fatalities in the nation's coal and mineral mines.