The American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) is a national trade association that advocates for the mineral exploration and mining industry across North America. Founded as the Northwest Mining Association and now representing thousands of individual and business members, AEMA promotes access to mineral resources, supports the full mining lifecycle from exploration through production to reclamation, organizes a major annual convention, and lobbies on legislative and regulatory issues affecting the sector.
Advocacy for streamlined permitting and regulatory reform, protection of public-lands access for exploration and mining, support for domestic critical minerals and supply-chain policies, promotion of reclamation and closure standards, workforce development and small-business interests in the mining sector, and opposition to legislation seen as unduly restrictive to mineral development.
Primarily funded by membership dues and subscriptions, annual meeting and event registration and exhibitor fees, sponsorships and program revenues, plus targeted donations for lobbying or specific campaigns.
Membership base of junior and large mining companies, small miners, exploration geologists, equipment and service suppliers; regional and state mining groups and coalitions (e.g., Nevada mineral exploration interests); AEMA leadership and staff including the executive director and elected president (AEMA board and officers).
Non-profit trade association
