Benjamin Davenport Executive Director IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION (IMA)
Can you introduce the Idaho Mining Association and how it supports Idaho's mining industry?
The Idaho Mining Association (IMA) acts as a crucial advocate for the mining industry in Idaho. Our primary function is to influence and shape policy to create a favorable operating environment for the industry. Beyond advocacy, we also spend time in the field networking and educating the public and policymakers. Can you describe the geological makeup of the state?
In the southeast corner, we have the Idaho phosphate patch. The northern part of the state features the Idaho Silver Valley. Central and southern Idaho has considerable gold deposits, along with molybdenum and copper. On the eastern side, we have the Idaho Cobalt Belt, which also includes rare earth elements. What are the benefits of Idaho in the mining space?
Our policymakers do a commendable job of facilitating natural resource development and mixed land use opportunities. The challenge, however, is that over 60% of Idaho’s land is federally owned, making it difficult to assemble land packages for mining without federal permits. Despite this, local and state policymakers generally have an open-door policy for permitting and approvals. How does the association support environmental stewardship?
The Idaho Mining Association has updated the Financial Assurance and Surface Mining Act for the first time in over 50 years to meet current standards. These updates ensure that adequate funds are set aside for land reclamation. We have also introduced new water quality and rock impoundment standards. What are some of the challenges that miners face in Idaho today?
Federal delays are costly and time-consuming. Social acceptance and community perceptions can impede progress, with misunderstandings between industry and locals often a barrier. The well-funded conservation community and complex litigation, particularly during permitting, add to the difficulties. A major issue is the workforce shortage, with many experienced workers retiring and a struggle to attract young professionals.
Adam Eckman President and CEO COLORADO MINING ASSOCIATION (CMA)
What were the major issues faced by members in the past year?
In the 2024 legislative session, the largest single issue was new water regulation in the aftermath of the US Supreme Court's Sackett v. EPA decision. The decision significantly impacted federal oversight of certain wetlands and streams, leading Colorado to establish state-level protections. This became a major legislative issue as the state needed to regulate waters no longer covered by the federal Clean Water Act. Colorado implemented a robust regulatory regime aimed at all state waters, which posed a significant challenge for mining operations due to their water intensity. CMA engaged with state legislators to amend the introduced legislation successfully, making it more workable for member companies as the state established its first dredge and fill regulatory permit process. What notable milestones have been achieved by members in the past year?
There is significant excitement in mining focused on uranium and critical minerals. With the clean energy transition underway, interest in nuclear development has surged, and the price of uranium is currently the highest it has been in many years. What makes Colorado an attractive place for mining development?
Colorado was recently ranked as the fifth most favorable jurisdiction in the world for mining investment by the Frasier Institute. Colorado boasts some of the most environmentally sound and safety-conscious operations globally. The state's diverse mineral endowment, including some of the most abundant molybdenum reserves in the world, one of the nation’s leading gold mines, as well as copper, silver, uranium, and critical minerals reserves, combined with our broad range of mineral reliant industries, including clean energy development, aerospace, and national security applications, Colorado is a unique and attractive place for mining investment. Colorado is poised to play a leading role in raw materials production for the clean energy transition, advanced technology, and national security minerals applications, among others.