The Nevada Mining Association, or NvMA, represents the interests of mining in the state of Nevada. The mission of the NvMA is to create a favorable business environment for responsible mining in the state. It does this through its government relations activities, its public outreach and education efforts, and a variety of technical committees manned by members of the mining industry working on issues such as environmental protection and public lands, mine safety and health, government affairs, taxation, education, and human resources.
The NvMA has, at any given time, nearly 300 members, ranging from major international mining companies with operations in the state to individuals simply interested in mining. Suppliers of goods and services to the mining industry are also members of the NvMA.
Trade associations like the NvMA exist because members find that, in the areas of government affairs and public outreach, speaking with one clear voice on issues is often more effective than company-specific efforts carried out by individual companies. Further, trade associations provide a common forum where members can focus on specific topics and get the benefit of many points of view. This is true of the NvMAs technical committees that work on mining regulatory matters such as environmental regulation and permitting.
Standing Committees
Education Committee:
The purpose of the Education Committee is to increase public awareness and understanding of the modern mining industry through educational programs. Through biannual workshops for K-12 teachers the committee seeks to increase the awareness of the integral role of minerals in our daily lives, individually, as a state, and as a nation. The NvMA Education Program is the U.S. leader in the development of mineral education resources and programs.
Environmental Committee:
The Environmental Committee reviews and recommends a course of action for the Nevada Mining Association to take on environmental legislation and regulations. The Committee also evaluates new permitting procedures, reclamation requirements, and any other miscellaneous activities affecting Nevada mining operations. Active subcommittees include: Air Quality, Water Resources, Mine Waste, Wildlife, and Reclamation.
Government Affairs Committee:
The Government Affairs Committee is made up of Sustaining II level companies and is responsible for the monitoring of government relations issues. It also has an advisory committee composed of members whose companies have contributed to the NvMA PAC that screens candidates and makes recommendations for political contributions to the Board of Directors. Recommendations are also accepted from Board members and the President. The Communications Subcommittee reviews, analyzes and recommends strategies and activities of the Association concerning public relations, media, advertisement and other outreach efforts.
Human Resource Committee:
The Human Resource Committee examines labor related issues within the industry and proposed laws and regulations pertaining to wages and hours, workers compensation, fringe benefits and occupational disease. The Committee makes recommendations to the Association for possible action.
The Mine Safety and Health Committee reviews and comments on state and federal legislative, regulatory and other programs related to safety issues that affect the mining industry. It also has become the Nevada State Council of the Holmes Safety Association. As such, it has developed an intensified safety recognition awards program. Active subcommittees include: Occupational Health, Mine Rescue, and Awards.
Suppliers Club:
The Suppliers Club serves as a vehicle for NvMA member suppliers to be represented as an integral part of the mining industry and to support mining industry activities such as the Minerals Education Workshops and PAC. The Committee also sponsors the NvMA Member Directory which provides additional business publicity. The Chair of the Suppliers Committee retains an advisory seat on the Board of Directors of the Association.
Taxation Committee:
The Taxation Committee reviews, analyzes and recommends strategy to the Association concerning taxation and financial issues that may have an impact on the industry.
