70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION

On 2026-06-01, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered a floor speech titled "70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION" in the Senate.

70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 92 (Monday, June 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 92 (Monday, June 1, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2468-S2469] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 70th anniversary of the Wyoming Mining Association. On June 3, 2026, the Wyoming Mining Association will celebrate its 70th anniversary. The annual convention is at the CAM-PLEX in Gillette, WY. This milestone highlights the WMA's role as the unified voice of the State's mining industry. Even prior to statehood, mining was essential to Wyoming's economy. The great seal of the State of Wyoming prominently features a miner in recognition of the industry's lasting significance. In April of 1956, representatives from 12 Wyoming mining companies, with the help of future Wyoming Governor Ed Herschler, gathered to establish the Wyoming State Mining Association. The group set up its headquarters in Riverton. The new organization kept members informed about mining issues and promoted the industry's importance to the State. From its inception, the Wyoming Mining Association has highlighted the importance of industry partners. It has relied on geologists, engineers, and local stakeholders to advance mining in the State and region. Eventually, the WMA offices were relocated to the State capitol in Cheyenne, where they remain today. Wyoming's mineral resources are essential to our State and Nation. We produce almost 12 times more energy than we consume. Nationally, we are second in net energy exports. Wyoming is America's energy breadbasket. The WMA is the dedicated voice for the coal, bentonite, trona, uranium, and rare earths minerals industries. In addition to advocating for the industry, the Wyoming Mining Association provides on-the-ground education for legislators, students, teachers, and environmental leaders. The association represents dozens of mining companies, along with more than 100 associate companies that provide equipment and services across the sector. The association consistently advocates for commonsense policies and regulations that strengthen the industry. It strives to educate and inform people about the importance of mining. This includes highlighting the national value of mineral production and the economic impact on our State. Under WMA's leadership, Wyoming mines make health and safety for their employees and the public a top priority. Our mines are regularly recognized as some of the safest in the Nation. Over the last seven decades, the WMA has prospered under strong, effective leadership. Executive directors include Russell ``Russ'' Beamer (1956-1972), William ``Bill'' Budd (1972-1986), John ``Jack'' Ratchye (1986-1991), Marion Loomis (1991-2014), Jonathan Downing (2014- 2016), and my former military representative Travis Deti (2016- present.) Since 1956, the Wyoming Mining Association has shared the mining story and highlighted its crucial role in our State. Today, the WMA is led by: Travis Deti, Executive Director Pat Joyce, Assistant Director Heidi Peterson, Office Manager and Event Planner Todd Druse, President (Black Hills Bentonite) Neil Malicoat, Vice President (Sisecam) Scott Schierman, Secretary & Treasurer (Uranium Energy Corporation) Casey Felmlee, Board Member (Peabody Energy) Trish Driver, Board Member (Core Natural Resources) Darrin Munoz, Board Member (Navajo Transitional Energy Company) Christian Palich, Board Member (Eagle Specialty Materials) Cole Anderson, Board Member (Wyodak Resources) Bernard Bonifas, Board Member (Energy Fuels) Kimberly Lytton, Board Member (Bentonite Performance Minerals) Don Crank, Board Member (Kemmerer Operations) Paul Bonifas, Board Member (Rare Element Resources) Randy Quig, Board Member (Wyoming Machinery) As the Wyoming Mining Association celebrates 70 years of service, we honor the miners, engineers, equipment operators, geologists, and their families who work to meet the energy needs of [[Page S2469]] our Nation. Through WMA's innovation and leadership, this industry--and the hard-working men and women who support it--remain key to Wyoming's success. It is an honor to celebrate this significant milestone. Mineral development and energy production are essential to America's strength, security, and success. The Wyoming Mining Association remains committed to this important mission. It will continue to advocate for responsible development, a strong workforce, and Wyoming's role as a global leader in energy and mineral production. ____________________