Minerals associations in North America have joined forces to oppose planned funding cuts to the US Geological Survey (USGS) by the US government. The Industrial Minerals Association-North America (IMA-NA) and the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) joined 13 other US trade associations in a letter advising Congress of the negative impact a proposed budget would have on US industry.
The letter opposes the Obama administration’s substantial funding cut - $2.7m., or 17% - to the financial year (FY) 2012 US Geological Survey’s Mineral Resources Program.
The document was sent on 31 March 2011 to Congressmen Mike Simpson, Chair of the House Interior and Environment...