SMGB proposal challenged
Industry Impact: State Mining and Geology Board proposed changes in release of financial assurances sets bad precedent, exceed SMARA bounds.
CMA Action: CMA in conjunction with the Construction Materials Association of California and Southern California Rock Products Association is on record in opposition to the expansion of the “director’s” authority which conflicts with existing SMARA law.
A State Mining and Geology Board ‘modification’ of a SMARA provision for release of financial assurance “sets a bad precedent and goes beyond the authority of the director,” according to testimony by Industry representative James Good (Gresham, Savage, Nolan & Tilden) at a SMGB meeting.
In a written report on the meeting to the Association’s, attorney Good warned, “the bottom line is that the regulation has been moved forward into the 45-day public review process.”
The mining industry has no problem with additional information being submitted by the lead agency to the director on a proposed release of a financial assurance, and even a 45-day period for inspection and enforcement action, if necessary, Good told the board. However, he added: “We can’t give them any more authority than they can give themselves. SMARA creates a very specific ‘box’ in which the director is allowed to act—and nothing more.”
The SMGB change would allow financial assurance release only if the director concurs that a reclamation is complete under the approved plan.
The existing SMARA provision gives the lead agency decision-making authority on release of the financial assurance. The director is simply notified of completion of the reclamation according to the plan.
A lead agency, which has primary responsibility to seek forfeiture of financial assurance, is obliged only to evaluate director comments and prepare written responses related to disposition of major issues raised.
Confere
nce ’03 Wins Kudos
From the golf course to no-holds-barred sessions on the rocky “Adventure’’ of mining in California, the annual California Mining Association conference in San Diego rang the applause meter in 2003.
Annual Conference Chair Bob Zaebst (Viceroy Gold) says good teamwork produces good results. He thanks “all the members of the Annual Conference Committee, the CMA staff, moderators of general and breakout sessions, sponsors and all of you who made this conference a success.”
He has a special tip of the hat for Exhibitors “who took time and resources to provide information 
and needed refreshments.”
The Conference treated participants from mining industry representatives and consultants to members of local government and the State Mining Geology Board which adjusted their meeting schedule to attend and listen to industries perspective.
Ben Licari, Environment Committee Chair noted, “We are extremely appreciative of the Boards efforts to join us in celebrating our successes and challenges. While our opinions may differ on issues we all want a successful California mining industry.”
Conference participants gave thumbs up to sessions on permitting and environmental lawsuits that plugged the information gap on what to expect and how best to handle it.
If there was confusion about the latest twists and turns in endangered species and critical habitat issues, there were experts to clarify and counsel. It was the same for safety training, technology advances and reclamation success stories—and there were some of these.
A presentation on “Doing Business in the California Market” conceded there were pitfalls and regulatory hurdles but emphasized that long-term trends demonstrate some sectors of the state’s mining industry “do continue to grow, providing well-paying jobs critical to a stable and diverse economy.” The real challenge, analysts say, is to develop strategies to overcome unsubstantiated regulatory hurdle
s and to implement technologies to do business smarter and faster.
Pre-conference leisure time was launched at Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course when the annual tournament teed off at 8 a.m. The first place team shot an impressive round of 65. Taking bows were Ron Walker, EIP Associates, Mike Meinen, Lehigh Pacific Southwest Cement, and Steve Figgins, Brown and Caldwell.
In second place with a round of 70 were Bruce Steubing, Resource Design Technology; Bill Padavona, Gladding McBean; Jim Gore, Vulcan Materials Western Division, and Eric Mears, Brown and Caldwell.
Family and guests were treated to a privately guided behind-the-scenes tour of San Diego Zoo. Attendees and their guests enjoyed a special evening as they dined in Seaworld’s Manatee exhibit followed by a customized private Shamu Show at Seaworld Adventure Park for an added a splash of excitement to the annual banquet.
Meet the Award Winners
Annual awards presentations recognizing both individual and corporate contributions to communities and to the mining industry highlighted Conference sessions.
Benjamin J. Licari (Graniterock), received the President’s Award recognizing an individual who has exhibited outstanding dedication to the mission and goals of the Association and demonstrated “diligent commitment to the preservation of the mining industry and success of the Association.”
Eugene M. Kulesza (retired,TXI Riverside Cement) was recipient of the John Tooker Spirit of Mining Award, honoring an Association member who exemplifies the spirit of CMA’s long time lobbyist John Tooker: “Respect for the industry, concern for colleagues and a patient and thoughtful approach to his work.”
John C. Correll, deputy assistant secretary of the Mine Safety & Health Administration, presented Safety Awards for 2002. Tops in judging based on employee numbers were: Very Sm
all Operation (14 employees), Vulcan Materials Company -Irvine Lake; Small Operation (17 employees), Teichert Materials Inc.-Cool Cave Quarry; Medium Operation (66 employees), Vulcan Materials Company-Sun Valley Plant.
Omya (California) Inc. was tops among large operations (91-150 employees). As a Very Large operation (220 employees), Gladding McBean received first place award.
The Excellence in Reclamation Award for 2002 went to RiverPark B Development, an innovative project by Riverpark B Development at a former Hanson Aggregates West facility adjacent to the Santa Clara River in Ventura County.
During the 50 years Hanson Aggregates West (formerly S.P. Milling) operated the 400-acre sand and gravel business, the growth of neighboring coastal communities had caused re-evaluation of the original “open space” reclamation plan land use.
Hanson teamed with RiverParkB Development to generate a mixed-use community of residential and commercial land uses, public facilities and open space providing for c
omplete reclamation of mined areas.
Glamis Rand Mining Company went home with the 2002 Excellence in Community Service Award in recognition of an energetic volunteer and financial support program in the local community.
Upfront was a goal to assist Rand Mining District in its quest to reinvent itself from a ghost town with minimal possibilities to an historical and modern day “mining adventure.”
Glamis Rand’s employee volunteers invested hundreds of hours in mineral education programs in local schools, lectures on the importance of minerals in everyday life, participation in blood drives, conducting Red Cross courses in first aid and adult CPR, and decorating the community Christmas tree.
Gladding McBean celebrates 128
th anniversary
In 1874, a roadbuilder discovered an exceptional deposit of fine-grained clay in Lincoln, CA. On May 12, 1875, three investors from Chicago pooled an initial investment of $12,000 to build a factory to manufacture clay sewer pipe. Just three months later, Gladding McBean & Co. shipped its first 10-ton load of salt-glazed sewer pipe to San Francisco.
In May, 2003, Gladding McBean celebrated its 128th anniversary at the company’s annual “Feats of Clay” open house, which attracts hundreds of visitors from the Sacramento region.
Over time the company expanded its building products line to include brick, roof tile, architectural ornaments and even a line of dinnerware, in addition to the ever-popular sewer pipe. Gladding McBean is one of only three companies in the U.S. that still make terra cotta decorations for building. Twenty-seven years ago, the company was purchased by Pacific Coast Building Products of Sacramento.
Today the company continues to mine its own raw material, employ 240 people and ship product worldwide. Several generations of workers form the clay and fire up the huge kilns, and “the pottery” still maintains a central role in Lincoln’s culture, in spite of the Placer County town’s position as one of the fastest growing towns in California.
Congratulations, Gladding McBean & Co.!
Message from CMA’s new president
Steve Cortner (Vulcan Materials Western Division) will provide Association leadership in the coming year. His first message as president emphasizes commitment and teamwork:
Operating within the current economic and political climate poses considerable—but certainly not insurmountable—challenges for our members and the industry.
Now, more than ever, it is incumbent upon the leadership, members, associate members and staff of not only CMA but also of our fellow state associations and trade groups to speak with a strong, unified voice.
As a famous philosopher once said: ‘The whole is more than the sum of its parts.’ (Aristotle). The MAC group is a great start for this coordinated industry effort.
Whether it is commenting on pending or proposed legislation and regulation, improving industry image or furthering our corporate citizenship and environmental stewardship, the final measure of our success in California depends upon a cohesive dialogue and concerted effort toward issues impacting our industry.
I believe it is this dialogue and effort that will ultimately lead to a more favorable climate for our members to operate in.
As we meet challenges and celebrate successes, let us move forward together with the same spirit, purpose and resolve that has made CMA and its membership a leading voice for an industry that remains the backbone of our state’s economy and quality of life.
Association leadership in the coming year with his recently-elected board. His first message as president emphasizes commitment and teamwork: “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.”