NW Mining Association picks new name

The 119-year-old Northwest Mining Association has chosen a new name to better reflect the geographic diversity in its membership. With 2,400 members from 42 states, seven Canadian provinces and 10 other countries, “Northwest” no longer accurately described the Spokane-based trade association’s constituent base, said Rich DeLong, past president. The new name, American Exploration & Mining Association, was chosen after an 18-month review process with input from members. The association has developed a national reputation for its work on behalf of the mining industry, including work on environmental and public lands issues, DeLong said. The mission of educating the public and policymakers about the importance of minerals will continue, he said. The association’s new website is www.miningamerica.org.