CEO since 2008 has supported moves by Trump administration to promote coal as shrinking demand hits industry's bottom line

Hal Quinn, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, announced April 3 that he will retire at the end of the year. Under his watch, the group has energetically lobbied for and vocally backed the Trump administration's stated policy of advancing the coal industry.

Even before he ascended to the top post at the NMA in 2008, Quinn had spent 23 years in various executive roles at the group and one of its predecessor organizations, the National Coal Association, and had also worked at the Departments of Interior and Labor.

Among achievements the association listed that have occurred during Quinn's tenure are its successful challenges to regulations, including the Clean Power Plan, proposed additional financial responsibility requirements for the hardrock mining industry, the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, the Stream Protection rule, and the 2015 Waters of the United States rule.

Nevertheless, the decline of coal has hit NMA hard: Not only are several coal companies among its members, but mining machinery and mineral mining companies the group represents have also seen difficult days.

"Hal has been a forceful advocate and an effective leader who has guided our industry through times of great challenge and crafted the strategies and programs that allowed us to seize opportunities whenever possible," Phil Baker, chair of the NMA board of directors and president and CEO of Hecla Mining, said in a statement. "Hal strengthened and extended U.S. mining's voice in and outside Washington. Hal leaves us well-positioned for continued success in the future."

NMA's revenue is listed as $9.8 million in 2017 tax documents, with Quinn taking home $1.2 million in pay. The association's revenue in 2016 was considerably higher, at $39 million, because of an international trade show held every four years.

Executive search firm Lochlin Partners will assist in the search for Quinn's successor.