Today, thanks to the plentitude of technological advances that make our lives easier, many people are less aware than ever about the industries that support the foundation of our societies.
Despite this disconnect, the old saying; “If it can’t be grown, it has to be mined,” still rings true in our modern times. Non-metallic and nonfuel minerals, classified as industrial minerals, are key components in processes or final products in every field of industry.
Industrial minerals truly are the building blocks of our economy. Farming, oil and gas production, pharmaceuticals, paper, plastics, ceramics, glass, beauty products, construction materials, and foundry castings all rely on various industrial minerals throughout their production processes.
In spite of the vital nature of these minerals, the average person is relatively unaware of the role minerals play in keeping our society running. The Industrial Minerals Association – North America (IMA-NA) is a trade association dedicated to representing this crucial sector of the mining industry, educating government officials and the public about the world of industrial minerals.
The IMA-NA was created to advance the interests of North American companies that mine or process the industrial minerals used throughout our manufacturing and agricultural industries. Established in 2002, IMA-NA rapidly grew from a few minerals to currently representing twelve distinct industrial minerals produced in North America. The Association represents not only industrial mineral companies, but also a robust community of associate members comprised of equipment manufacturers, transportation companies, and specialist consultants who support the industrial minerals industry on the whole. The entire mining industry is facing challenges in numerous areas, but most noticeably from regulatory agencies. As the voice of the industry, IMA-NA represents its members before the governments of both Canada and the United States.
Equipped with members’ technical and practical real-life expertise, IMA-NA is able to provide invaluable insights to legislators and regulators on the various issues that impact the industry.
Most recently IMA-NA and one of its constituent organizations, the National Industrial Sand Association (NISA), have been deeply involved with the ongoing U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) rulemaking to set occupational exposure limits for respirable crystalline silica.
The Industrial Minerals Association – North America (IMA-NA) is the representative voice of companies which extract and process a vital and beneficial group of raw materials known as industrial minerals. Industrial minerals are the ingredients for many of the products used in everyday life, and our companies and the people they employ are proud of their industry and the socially responsible methods they use to deliver these beneficial resources.
IMA-NA represents ball clay, barite, bentonite, borates, calcium carbonate, diatomite, feldspar, industrial sand, kaolin, magnesia, soda ash, talc and wollastonite.
Industrial minerals…Your world is made of them!
Industrial Minerals Association – North America (IMA-NA)
1200 18th Street NW , Suite 1150
Washington, DC 20036
Phone – (202) 457-0200
Website – www.ima-na.org