News & Insights Blog
CMA ResourcesStay informed with the latest updates from the Colorado Mining Association. Explore news, insights, and policy developments shaping Colorado’s mining industry, clean energy transition, and critical mineral supply chain.
Perspective: Colorado can take the lead on mining
Colorado has been a leader in mining for 150 years. The opportunity now is to lead the next generation of mining and minerals innovation.
As the global competition for minerals intensifies, Colorado has an opportunity to build on its strength in mining, minerals, and innovation — creating new opportunities for economic growth, advanced manufacturing, energy, and national security.
This article published in the Denver Gazette and Colorado Springs Gazette. Read the full piece here.
Recent Executive Actions Affecting Critical Minerals and Materials
Four recent executive actions build on the Trump Administration’s efforts to secure critical minerals and materials for American national and economic security. Two of the actions create incentives – including tariff relief – for manufacturers to onshore production of aluminum and polysilicon. Another limits defense contractors’ use of waivers allowing them to source certain minerals and products from China and other “non-allied nations.”
Mining Law: Extralateral Rights and the Apex Rule
Under the Mining Law of 1872 (the “Mining Law”) [2] lode claimants may, in certain circumstances, follow a vein’s downward course beneath neighboring claims. [3] This is known as the “Apex Rule” (herein, the “Rule”) and the rights it bestows upon a claimant are powerful since it (i) entitles miners to extract minerals that stray onto adjoining claims or other public land…
2026 Western Mining Summit Recap: The State of Western Mining
The inaugural Western Mining Summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore the opportunities shaping the future of mining. Read a recap of the conversations, insights, and key takeaways from this landmark event celebrating CMA's 150th anniversary.
Press Release: CMA Welcomes Historic Federal Investment in National Critical Minerals Stockpile
The Colorado Mining Association welcomed the White House’s announcement of Project Vault, a $12 billion national critical minerals stockpile initiative, along with the creation of the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement. CMA emphasized the importance of domestic critical minerals development to strengthen U.S. supply chain resilience, economic security, and national defense.
CMA Celebrates 150th Anniversary in 2026
Next year will mark 150 years of continuous operation for the Colorado Mining Association, the oldest mining industry association in the United States and the first to celebrate this historic milestone. CMA’s 150th anniversary coincides with the 150th anniversary of Colorado, and the shared anniversary reminds us of the founding of Colorado as a mining state in 1876. Since that time, Colorado’s history has been tied to mining which has provided great opportunity for generations of Coloradans and served as the foundation of our state economy.
Local Government Can Contribute to Clean Energy and National Security Needs
Colorado and the nation face increasing energy demands and critical mineral supply needs. These pressures are amplified by population growth, energy-intensive AI, a shrinking energy supply portfolio, and geopolitical challenges that have fundamentally altered historical supply chains. In Colorado specifically, approximately a quarter our electric energy is supplied by coal.[1] However, public policy decisions will result in this supply largely going offline over the next five years as a result of premature coal fleet retirements. The already significant gap left by these retirements has been made even more challenging by the rise of AI technology which is expected to increase energy consumption by 6.7%-12% by 2028, according to a Department of Energy Report…
Press Release: CMA Praises USGS Updated Critical Minerals List
Denver, CO – The Colorado Mining Association (CMA) issued the following statement welcoming the updated U.S. Geological Survey critical minerals list.
“As the world’s demand for mineral resources continues to grow, the updated USGS list reaffirms the fact that the United States must continue to strengthen its domestic mineral supply,” said Adam Eckman, President & CEO of CMA…
A Fresh Look for a Historic Legacy: Colorado Mining Association Rebrand and New Website
We’re proud to unveil the new brand identity for the Colorado Mining Association (CMA) — a rebrand that honors more than 150 years of mining leadership while positioning the organization for the future.