2009 Montana Mining - Montana Mining Association

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT,
MIKE MULLANEY
Ihave been honored to take on the responsibility as the president
during these past two years. It has been a rewarding learning
experience working with board members, the executive director and
the executive assistant. We have set up a team-type association that
actively listens to feedback and then makes sound decisions on a
consensus basis.
There are four committees defined in our by-laws: Health and
safety; education; membership; and legislative. We have board
members involved in all four committees. Commitment to these
committees is essential to our success; that success being a strong
safety culture – both on and off the job – and people of all ages
being educated about the importance of our natural resources, environmental
stewardship and compliance with rules and regulations.
The foundation has been put in place for a bright future for the association,
and we are starting to deliver strong results.
Nelson
Brothers
MINING SERVICES, LLC
ANELSON�BROTHERS�/�ORICA�JOINT�VENTURE�����
(800)�533�6267
4 Montana Mining 2009
Safety is a top priority, and we need to have the right behavior
instilled in us to ensure no one is injured, whether on the job or off.
We have been developing partnerships with other operators and regulators
to utilize best practices in the workplace.
It is essential that efforts are also put into our educational vision.
We have some folks involved in provider pals, teacher workshops,
and operational tours. Both producers and associate members have
been involved in provider pals up at Troy and Libby, and now down
in Willow Creek. Montana Tech established the Bright Prism project
that will provide teachers with hands-on experience and training in
the minerals industry. These are great programs; I commend all
involved and encourage others to get involved. We need to reach as
many schools as possible, and educate everyone about the importance
of natural resources and how natural resource recovery
impacts our quality of life. This takes much time but is critical to our
success. My ultimate vision is to produce a video of mining operations
in Montana to really show “How it’s Made” and link the raw
resources to final end uses.
The legislative piece is in good shape now that we have a full-time
executive director with experience and relationships with many legislatures
and the DEQ. This past legislative session it proved very beneficial
having Debbie Shea relentlessly involved in the entire legislative
process. In this complex world of regulatory change, we have to
partner up, share our opinions without the negativism, take the high
road and follow the rules.
It is a privilege to be part of the mining industry. We work so hard
in our typical day’s work that we take little time to reflect on our
accomplishments and to tell our stories. By putting out our annual
magazine, we have started to tell our stories and communicate to
others what we are doing in the industry. Our website has been up
and operational for two years now; this is another great venue for
our members to access information about the Montana mining
industry. Check it out.
Please give feedback and ideas to Debbie, Debra and the board to
help us achieve our objectives. I thank the board for the opportunity
to serve as President of the Montana Mining Association. �