Mining Trade Groups Merge Into Single Unit

The U.S. mining industry’s two largest trade groups have merged into one organization, it was announced Monday.

The formation of the National Mining Association has been approved by the boards at the National Coal Association and the American Mining Congress, the associations said.

Richard L. Lawson will serve as president and chief executive of the new organization, which will be based in Washington. Lawson was the president of the National Coal Association for the past eight years.

Lawson said the organization will promote the production and use U.S. mineral resources in domestic and international markets; establish a strong political presence in Washington; and serve as an information center.