Likely reforms to the General Mining Law before the end of the year have the National Mining Association on alert – and the trade group is beefing up its resources. NMA’s board voted in mid-September to increase its annual budget to $20 million for the 2008 budget year, up 26 percent. NMA spokeswoman Carol Raulston said the increased budget would fund much-needed staff raises and a slew of new hires to fill positions in legislative and regulatory affairs and in government relations. NMA CEO Kraig Naasz said the board approved the extra funds – after years of running a tight ship – in recognition of the challenges ahead. NMA’s biggest hurdles may come from proposed… Read More