About CMA

Advancing innovation, policy, and progress across Colorado’s mining industry.

Who We Are
Meet The Team

Who We Are

Welcome to the Heart of Western Mining

Founded in 1876, the Colorado Mining Association (CMA) has been a trusted voice for the mining industry for nearly 150 years.

As the oldest mining industry association in the U.S., CMA unites a diverse group of members, including producers, exploration companies, processors, equipment suppliers, engineers and consultants, law firms, financial institutions, and mining companies with national and global headquarters in Colorado.

Explore Our Values
About Colorado Mining Association

A Message from Our President

I'm honored and excited to lead the Nation’s oldest professional mining trade association in my home state of Colorado at a pivotal time for our industry. Mining is the front end of the supply chain for every major industry in the country and plays a vital role in supporting Colorado's economy. From affordable energy to national defense, emerging technology and clean energy development and storage, so many facets of Colorado's economy and future goals depend on a robust mining industry.

The Colorado Mining Association has played a leading role in Colorado’s business, legislative, and legal environment since our state’s founding and is well positioned to continue its leadership role as we enter the new minerals economy. I’m optimistic about the future of mining in Colorado and the West and I look forward to continuing to work with CMA’s members to support the world-class operations in our state and partner with the broad range of communities, elected officials, and minerals-reliant sectors to grow our industry and meet the rapidly increasing need for responsibly sourced minerals.

Adam Eckman, President & CEO
Signature that reads Adam Eckman in cursive script.
Meet the cma team
A man with a beard and mustache wearing a light blue collared shirt and a dark blazer, smiling in front of a plain off-white wall.

Adam Eckman

President & CEO • adam@coloradomining.org 

Adam Eckman is President & CEO of the Colorado Mining Association, where he leads the nation’s oldest professional mining trade association and a leading voice for the responsible development of mineral resources. In this role, Adam leads the organization’s strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and industry advocacy — representing a broad coalition of mining interests, including exploration and production companies, global mining firms headquartered in Colorado, engineering and legal service providers, financial institutions, and minerals-reliant industry partners that support the mining value chain. Under his leadership, CMA has strengthened its role as a key voice in advancing the competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation of the mining sector, significantly grown association membership, and established new strategic partnerships with a wide range of industry allies.

  • With a career anchored in advancing the legal and policy interests of the U.S. mining industry, Adam brings deep experience from both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining CMA, he served as Associate General Counsel at the National Mining Association where he played a central role in shaping legal, regulatory, and legislative strategies for the mining industry nationwide.  

    Adam’s legal and policy background includes senior leadership roles in Washington, D.C. where he advised members of Colorado’s Congressional delegation and served as counsel to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources. His work there focused on energy and natural resources policy, with a particular emphasis on mining, water rights and supply, power production, and public lands management. He later served as an attorney for the U.S. Department of the Interior, where he provided legal counsel to federal agencies and litigated high-stakes cases involving mining, water, and environmental law. Across all of these roles, he has been a consistent advocate for balanced regulatory approaches that sustain both economic growth and environmental stewardship.  

    He is a frequent commentator in local and national print and broadcast news outlets and is a published contributor to the Energy and Minerals Law Foundation Law Review.  

    Adam also serves on the Trustees Council of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, is a member of the Board of Directors of the CMA Education Foundation, and is Chairman of the Stuart Sanderson Memorial Scholarship Committee. A native of Colorado, Adam received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado and his law degree from the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder. 

Colorado Mining Association - Susan Raplee 

Susan Raplee 

Admin & Membership • susan@coloradomining.org 

Susan Raplee serves as CMA’s Administrative and Membership Coordinator. She plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the association, managing member communications, and ensuring the smooth coordination of internal processes and events. Her work helps sustain CMA’s strong member relationships and contributes to the success of its programs throughout the year.

Board of Directors
  • Poppy Staub

    Poppy Staub

    CMA Board Chair
    President
    MWStaub Consulting, LLC

  • David Rivera 

    David Rivera 

    CMA Board Chair-Elect
    Director of Business Affairs
    Climax Molybdenum, a Freeport-McMoRan Company

  • James W. Sanderson

    James W. Sanderson

    CMA Board Vice Chair
    Attorney
    Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, PC 

  • Chris Cahal 

    Chris Cahal 

    CMA Board Treasurer
    VP Service
    Wagner Equipment Co

  • Nat Adams

    Nat Adams

    Government Relations Director
    Newmont Corporation

  • Scott Bakken 

    Scott Bakken 

    Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
    Energy Fuels, Inc

  • Kristara Lee 

    Kristara Lee 

    Chief Operations Officer
    Trapper Mining, Inc

  • Bill MacNevin

    Bill MacNevin

    Executive VP, Operations & Sustainability
    SSR Mining 

  • Isaac Nolte

    Isaac Nolte

    West Elk Mine - General Manager
    Core Natural Resources

  • Scott Petsel

    Scott Petsel

    President
    Metallic Minerals Corp.

  • Bryce West 

    Bryce West 

    Vice President Environmental & Land
    Peabody

  • Doug White

    Doug White

    Mine Manager
    Colowyo Coal Company

CMA Commitment

Our Values

  • Advocacy-Driven

    We work daily with lawmakers and regulators to shape policies that protect our members, promote innovation, and ensure the long-term viability of mining in Colorado.

  • Industry-Focused

    Our mission is built around the needs of the mining sector, from permitting and reclamation to workforce development and economic growth.

  • Community-Oriented

    We foster connection and collaboration across companies, counties, and communities, ensuring mining contributes to the well-being of Colorado residents and regions.

  • Expert-Led

    Our members benefit from decades of industry knowledge and regulatory insight that drive meaningful action and results.

  • Reputation-Built

    CMA’s influence is grounded in trust, earned through consistent leadership, strong relationships, and proven outcomes.

  • Deeply Connected to Colorado’s History

    Mining is the foundation of Colorado’s economy and identity. Our legacy strengthens the trust and influence we carry into every conversation about the state’s future.

Committed to Community

Community Involvement

CMA champions sustainable mining and workforce development through award-winning safety programs, environmental leadership, and education partnerships. Learn more about our Sustainability, Safety and Education efforts.

Sustainability & Safety Efforts
Mining Education

Get Involved

Join the powerful network driving the future of mining in Colorado and beyond.

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