Thirty-eight members of the Women's Mining Coalition (WMC) from 16 states traveled to Washington D.C. for the 24th annual Fly-In meetings on Capitol Hill during the week of April 18, 2016. The women work in the hardrock, coal and industrial minerals industries, and for companies that provide goods and services to mining companies. Since its inception in 1993, WMC has made annual trips to Washington, D.C. to advocate for a robust U.S. mining industry and to discuss issues of importance to the domestic mining industry with members of Congress and Congressional staff.
The 2016 WMC Fly-In efforts yielded 210 face-to-face meetings with Congressional offices and in 30 cases, meetings with elected officials themselves. WMC Fly-In participants also met with officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service, and with Janice Schneider, Assistant Secretary for Land & Minerals Management at the Department of the Interior.
Nicole Preuss, WMC President, noted "The timeliness of this years' WMC Fly-In cannot be overstated. The Fly-In participants were able to highlight the importance of numerous bills being introduced in Congress. This talented group of women personify modern mining with their professionalism and dedication to advocating for a strong domestic mining industry."
During this year's Fly-In, Women's Mining Coalition received word that it will receive the 2016 Prazen Living Legend of Mining Award. The award will be presented at the National Mining Hall of Fame Induction Banquet on September 24, 2016 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Prazen Living Legend of Mining Award is given annually to an entity (foundation, museum, other non-profit entity, corporation, or individual) that has demonstrated a continuing commitment and successful efforts to educate the public on the importance of the minerals industry.
WMC continues to bring insight to the importance of modern mining, to advocate for a strong and productive domestic mining industry, and to showcase the professionalism of women who work in the mining industry. WMC's mission is to deliver the message to our legislators that a strong mining industry is vitally important to our nation, our communities, our families, and our livelihoods, and that today's regulations and modern technologies ensure responsible stewardship of our lands. WMC facilitates and provides the opportunity for our grassroots members to band together for a stronger voice with their congressional delegation and to network with other women working in the mining industry.
For more information about Women's Mining Coalition, visit www.wmc-usa.org.