[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

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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.

                          ____________________