TX Mining Monthly
May 2021
Messages
  
It is pretty easy to say that "Education is Key to Success" and have folks say "Sure." But, the real key is complete and accurate information AND getting that information out consistently and to the right audience! Our industries, Coal/Lignite, Industrial Minerals and Uranium, have a great story to tell but we have never consistently nor effectively told that story.
Features
Like most associations of its kind, TMRA has a limited amount of time and resources to devote to promoting its story to key audiences. Because of that, TMRA decided in 2018 to launch a social media program, which is a cost-effective way to help enhance the Texas mining industry’s image. Through its Facebook and Twitter channels, TMRA is able to help raise awareness of the association’s three member industries – coal, uranium and industrial minerals.
 
ROMCO Equipment Company
Waukesha-Pearce Industries, LLC
Industry News
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today awarded $19 million for 13 projects in traditionally fossil fuel-producing communities across the country to support production of rare earth elements and critical minerals vital to the manufacturing of batteries, magnets, and other components important to the clean energy economy. Facing persistent shortages in domestic supply, the U.S. has been forced to rely on imported materials, leaving clean energy technology production at greater risk of disruption.
 
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is supporting a recently announced federal effort to revitalize the economies of communities traditionally supported by coal mining and coal-fired power plants. The U.S. Department of Energy has announced plans to spend $109.5 million in funding for projects directly supporting job creation in communities impacted by changes in the energy economy. "For generations, our coal miners have sacrificed their health and safety to mine the coal that forged the steel and provided the power that made the United States the greatest nation in the world," Manchin said. "I am encouraged to see President Biden acknowledge these contributions and start to allocate the resources that will be required to reinvest in these communities who have suffered huge job losses."
 
In his recent address to Congress, President Biden appears to have transformed himself into a champion of the "Made in America" cause. As he explained it, his jobs plan — which encompasses everything from rebuilding roads and bridges to accelerating the green energy revolution — will be guided by a single principle: "Buy American." There’s one problem, though. While America’s workers stand ready to build EVs and wind turbines, the nation’s manufacturers remain heavily reliant on China and other nations to supply the raw materials that can make this possible. And so, if Biden wants to make "Made in America" a reality, he’ll need to prioritize mining in America, too.
 
TMRA News
We are in the process of developing a social media campaign for our Facebook and Twitter social media channels – #TheFutureIsBright – to highlight how you, a TMRA member, are supplying the power and materials that ensure a bright future as we move into 2021.
 
Email Christian Goff at cgoff@pureenergypr.com to learn more or to submit your photo. 
 
HOLT CAT
Sponsor a Teacher
  
You can Sponsor A Teacher anytime during the year. This Sponsor A Teacher program gives all members/companies an opportunity to support TMRA’s successful teacher education program. A contribution of $1,500 will sponsor one teacher for a workshop that covers teaching materials, meals, lodging, etc. This is your chance to promote our industry by sponsoring a teacher! To learn more, click below.
Safety
  
On April 28, Workers Memorial Day, MSHA remembered the miners who lost their lives in mining accidents during 2021.
Technology
  
A range of wearable tech devices can assist with improving safety, but the principal method is through the addition of sensors. Whether they are incorporated through smart helmets, smart jackets or body suits, or simply through wearable sensors, the ability to measure various internal and external health risks can prove invaluable for mining companies.
Legislative Update
  
On January 27, 2021, President Joseph Biden stated: "Unlike previous administrations, I don’t think the federal government should give handouts to big oil to the tune of $40 billion in fossil fuel subsidies. And I’m going to be going to the Congress asking them to eliminate those subsidies. We’re going to take money and invest it in clean energy jobs in America — millions of jobs in wind, solar, and carbon capture." President Biden followed his prepared remarks by issuing an executive order directing federal agencies to "eliminate fossil fuel subsidies as consistent with applicable law." What’s not clear is which of these could be eliminated under his order, given the industry’s tax treatment is part of the tax code.
  
As Congress gears up to tackle infrastructure and energy issues, municipal and consumer-owned electric utilities want to make sure any new policies also include their customers — which consume about 30% of the country's generation, said Matheson. "The tax code is often used to provide incentives. And something that has always been a challenge for us, and quite frankly the municipal utilities as well, is we don't pay federal taxes," said Matheson. The result is that municipally-owned and cooperative utilities cannot directly access federal tax incentives to develop wind and solar, and as a result often do not own their own generation.
TMRA Tools and Tips

Stay Connected with TMRA Social Media! 

We are building our social media presence and we invite all TMRA members and interested parties to join the conversation! Click below to get started today!


Facebook 

Twitter
Upcoming Events
1
Jan 2021
 
TMRA has added events for 2021 to its meeting calendar that now goes through the end of the year. Click below to see all events and stay updated!
2
Jun 2021
 
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
3
Jun 2021
 
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Submit a Story
  
We are always looking to share news that is relevant and timely for TMRA members. If you have a submission and would like more information on deadlines, the type of content we are looking for and how to submit an idea, please reach out to Senior Content Strategist at rryals@naylor.com!
Help a Friend Join TMRA
  
As the owner of a business that is influenced by the mining economy, you have an interest in the issues that impact the industry. TMRA helps to keep members updated and informed. Please click below to learn more about the many benefits of being a TMRA member.