Honoring the Idaho Mining Association on its 100th Anniversary

HONORING THE IDAHO MINING ASSOCIATION ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, I offer congratulations to the Idaho Mining Association on its 100th anniversary. The mining industry has long been an economic force in Idaho, which is nicknamed the Gem State, and the association has been a strong advocate for that industry.

The association held its first meeting in the summer of 1903, and was first known as the Idaho Prospectors and Operators.
The occasion of the meeting was an urgent invitation from the Governor of Missouri to Idaho Governor Frank R. Gooding that Idaho furnish a display of mineral products for the 1904 International Exposition in St. Louis. Ten years later, this group changed its name to the Idaho Mining Association and has operated continuously since.

Early records of the group clearly state its original purpose:

It is imperative that there be a better understanding on the part of the people generally, and of those who enact and administer our laws particularly; that the economy of our nation, the happiness and welfare of our people, the safety of the Republic itself depend upon a healthy mineral industry.

The importance of minerals in our lives and to our economy has not diminished over the past century. The price and availability of raw materials are critically important to our manufacturing industries. The computer, telecommunication and electronic industries that represent an ever-growing share of our economic output, and dominate our daily lives, wouldn't be possible without the vast array of minerals produced in this country. We even rely on minerals to produce the new equipment that enhances the productivity of the nation's workers. It remains essential that we, as "those who enact and administer our laws," continue to recognize the importance of our domestic mining industry.

Once again, my congratulations to the Idaho Mining Association and its members as they mark this important milestone. I send my very best wishes for its continued success in serving the best interests of the State of Idaho and the nation.