Pub. 5 2015 Issue 2

7 MINING FOCUS Mark Compton, President PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE This year, the Utah Mining Associa- tion is celebrating 100 years of service to the mining industry. We are proud to represent a foundational industry that is so important to everyone’s lifestyle and standard of living. As an association, it is our job to advance the interests of the mining industry, and by doing so we truly are advancing the interests of society as a whole. Mining makes every aspect of our modern life possible. Mined products are key to the advanced, technological, com- fortable and more healthful existence we enjoy. Think about it…try to name one thing you did today that wasn’t made possible in some way by mining. You were awakened at your home (mined) by an alarm (mined) and got out of bed (mined). You showered (mined), brushed your teeth with toothpaste (mined) and put on your clothes (mined). You hopped in your car (mined) and drove on roads (mined) to your place of busi- ness (mined) and immediately check your email on your computer (mined). Well, this could go on all day but you get the idea. Mining is a unique industry in that it is the basis for our entire way of life, yet few people ever give it a second thought, much less consider its significance. That needs to change. All aspects of our society — including electricity, com- munications, transportation systems, computer networks, medical technol- ogy, and national security — require minerals. It is more important than ever for the United States to responsibly utilize our own mineral and energy resources. In fact, it is a national imperative. But to be- come a national priority, as a society we need to make the connection between mining and our quality of life. And our quality of life in the U.S. is good. We take for granted in this country that the lights will go on when we flip the switch, and our heating and cooling systems will keep us comfortable. But the fact is as many as half the world’s 7 billion people live without proper ac- cess to energy for basic human needs. Energy and minerals are keys to a better, longer life, bringing im- provements in education, health and longevity. Yet, electric heat, lights, refrig- erated food and medicine – crucial for basic needs that many take for granted – are still unavailable in many parts of the developing world. Eliminating extreme poverty here at home and abroad will require minerals and affordable access to energy. To sat- isfy the world’s energy needs will require an “everything, everywhere, all the time” approach to energy generation, includ- ing coal, gas, nuclear, hydropower and renewables. Using today’s advanced technologies to improve emissions, coal and all of these forms of energy develop- ment will play a significant role in ending global energy poverty and raising the standard of living for everyone. Today’s safe and environmentally responsible mining industry is vital to the State of Utah, our economy and quality of life. It always has been and always will be. President Abraham Lincoln once declared, “Utah will yet become the Treasure House of the Nation.” More than 150 years later, President Lincoln’s vision is a reality and we are all better off for it. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of that. X Energy and minerals are keys to a better, longer life, bringing improvements in education, health and longevity. Yet, electric heat, lights, refrigerated food and medicine – crucial for basic needs that many take for granted – are still unavailable in many parts of the developing world.