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ABOUT
American Exploration & Mining Association is a 125 year old, 1,800+ member, national association representing the minerals industry. AEMA is the recognized national voice for exploration, the junior mining sector, maintaining access to public lands, and represents the entire mining life cycle, from exploration through production to reclamation and closure.
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ABOUT
AEMA members reside in 44 states, 7 Canadian provinces and 11 countries and are actively involved in prospecting, exploring, mining, and reclamation closure activities across North America & the world.
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ABOUT
AEMA's diverse membership includes every facet of the mining industry including geology, exploration, mining, engineering, equipment manufacturing, technical services, and sales of equipment and supplies.
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ABOUT
AEMA’s broad membership represents a true cross-section of the American mining community from small miners and exploration geologists to junior and large mining companies. More than 80% of our members are small businesses or work for small businesses. Most of our members are individual citizens.
AEMA & Our Members are Everywhere

We Advocate for American Mining
We’re an effective and proactive voice for the North American mining community, successfully influencing the outcome of political dialogue, building effective working strategies with key elected officials, developing and coordinating industry’s response to legislative and regulatory issues, and galvanizing the grassroots.


We Hold the 2nd Largest Annual Mining Convention in the U.S.
AEMA's Annual Meeting and Exposition is longest running, and second-largest annual mining convention in the U.S.
Our Annual Meeting brings together American mining industry leaders and provides important networking and social opportunities. Join AEMA this year in Sparks/Reno, Nevada for the 126th Annual Meeting at the Nugget Casino Resort.
This year's Annual Meeting features:
- 100+ Speakers
- 35 Technical Sessions
- 7 Short Courses
- 2 Area Field Trips
- Over 250 Exhibits
- A Core Shack
We Were the First U.S. Mining Association to Adopt Environmental Principles
AEMA was the first U.S.-based mining association to adopt a Statement of Environmental Principles to communicate broadly the modern mining industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.


We Stand Up for Mining - In Front of the Supreme Court
AEMA fights on behalf of its members and the mining industry to ensure that regulatory actions are legal, justified, and as cost-effective as possible, as demonstrated by our challenging illegal regulations in court and intervening when necessary to protect our members and their rights. AEMA has advocated cases on behalf of our members all the way to the Supreme Court.
We Are a Recognized National Voice For Exploration & Public Lands Access
AEMA is recognized nationally as the voice for mineral exploration and maintaining access to public lands. Through our extensive partnerships, we are an effective and proactive voice on the national stage.


We Utilize the Most Modern Tools to Represent our Members
AEMA’s sophisticated communications outreach and advanced social media channels support the modern American mining industry, our members projects and amplify the #modernmining message to help build public support and bring greater brand recognition. We are active participants in the digital conversation and utilize our digital clout to speak to current industry events, congressional leaders, media, and improve public perception of the American mining industry.
Our Members are Leaders in the Industry
Our Membership spans every step in the mining life-cycle, and is represented by our volunteer-based Board of Trustees. Our committees benefit from a talented membership of diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. We are honored to deliver more opportunities to our members to tell their stories and be heard.
