The Spokane-based Northwest Mining Association (NWMA) has changed its name to the American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA). This change comes “after an all-encompassing 18 month process led by the Association’s Board of Trustees with significant membership input.” The NWMA states that while it is changing its name and brand, the mission remains the same: “The Association has long been recognised as the national voice for mineral exploration and access to public lands, and it will continue to advocate for its membership while educating policy makers and the public that mining is the beginning of the supply chain and minerals are the ingredients of life.”

Rich DeLong of Enviroscientists, the 2012 NWMA President, summed up the reasons for the change: “The Association’s membership has evolved far beyond the traditional northwest, with more than 65% of its membership outside the northwest encompassing 42 states, seven Canadian provinces and 10 other countries. NWMA had developed a nationwide reputation for its work on behalf of the mineral industry; especially its work on federal mining, environmental and public land issues, and the name no longer accurately reflected who we are and what we represent. The new name reflects more closely the diversity and location of our membership.”

Louie Cononelos, the Association’s 2014 president stated: “This is an exciting time to be a part of the American Exploration & Mining Association as it continues to represent the mining industry with a new name that underscores the importance of exploration to our industry and more accurately reflects who we are and what we do.” The new website of the American Exploration & Mining Association is www.miningamerica.org