COMMENTARY — Perseverance and teamwork key to U.S. Mining Law reform

Federal Mining Law reform efforts in the U.S. have been delayed as a result of the current budgetary impasse. While this is a disappointment, a look at the bigger picture reveals positive aspects as well. Simply put, the mining community has demonstrated that it understands that perseverance and teamwork are the formula for success on Capital Hill.

What is most heartening about the current state of affairs is that the mining industry is continuing to push for change, and it is pushing in one direction.

Miners are not easily discouraged, which is a good thing considering the political obstacles which they face. It is true that, in the past, less vexing situations resulted in disagreement among different mining interests, but this has not occurred during the 104th Congress. Miners have found a new sense of purpose, which provides for better communication and understanding.

Thus, two key groups within the mining community — the majors and the small exploration companies — have come to focus on what they have in common, rather than dwell on differences. This is no small achievement. Their thinking and business needs are noticeably and necessarily different. The way each deals with political issues is also different. The one prefers a low-key approach using traditional methods, whereas the other tends to opt for a free-wheeling, grassroots campaign.

The Northwest Mining Association (NWMA) has, in recent years, played a critical role in bringing these different parts of the mining community together. Obviously, the association did not do this by itself. It was part of a concerted effort which included other mining associations and groups, as well as corporate leadership. The board of trustees is deeply committed to doing everything in its power to provide room for all views in the NWMA tent.

This is a challenging, but ultimately rewarding, exercise; the advantage is that all our members benefit from the association’s efforts to modify the Mining Law.

The unique perspective gained from this internal exercise also benefits the rest of the industry. For several years now, the NWMA has served as a conduit for ideas and information between, on the one hand, small-scale mining and exploration companies, and, on the other, top industry executives. This vital communication link allowed for early identification of areas where both sides could agree on legislative strategy. A common message and solid front was then presented both to elected officials and the media. There were significant differences of opinion in some areas, but the two sides — juniors and majors — focused on the common goal each was trying to achieve, and they dealt with differences in a constructive and methodical manner.

Though a bill has yet to be passed, the 104th Congress has not been a failure for the mining industry. For the first time in years, miners, not the environmental community set the Mining Law agenda. Our industry was able to gain, and maintain, the bipartisan support necessary to shift the effort to the budgetary arena. A divided, uncoordinated approach could not have resulted in such high-water marks.

But the battle is still far from over. It is not too early to start building the foundation that will be needed if Mining Law reform is carried over to the 105th Congress. Pressing for reform will add to the hard-won momentum generated over the past several years and will ensure that we are prepared to seize opportunities for progress as they arise.

All it will take is more of what the mining community already has — perseverance and teamwork.

— The preceding is from “Bulletin”, the bi-monthly newsletter of the Northwest Mining Association, based in Spokane, Wash.