American Exploration & Mining Association awarded Boise-based mining lawyer, Joseph H. Baird, Esq., its Lifetime Achievement Award. Baird was honored with the association's highest individual award at American Exploration & Mining Association's (AEMA) 119th annual meeting. The award recognizes his distinguished work on behalf of the mining industry, strategic minerals issues and the environment.
Currently, Baird serves on the board of American CuMo Mining Corporation (CuMoCo) which manages the Idaho-based CuMo Project, one of the world's largest molybdenum deposits, and he is a partner in the Idaho-based mining law firm of Baird Hanson LLP.
"Joe's nationally recognized expertise is exactly why CuMoCo selected him to help guide the CuMo Project," said Shaun Dykes, CEO of CuMoCo. "His knowledge of the mining industry, experience with permitting projects of this magnitude and advocacy for environmentally conscious practices makes him invaluable to our team."
The American Exploration and Mining Association, which was formerly known as the Northwest Mining Association, has membership that spans the U.S. and Canada. Baird has worked to advance the mining industry through his service with AEMA since 2003. His roles with AEMA have included a term as president in 2011 and two terms as a board member. Additionally, he served as Environmental Committee Chair, Strategic Minerals Co-Chair and Environmental Committee Co-Chair.
AEMA's members and experts are instrumental in shaping U.S. public policy that guides mineral exploration and mine development. Baird helped prepare AEMA comments on the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2013 which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in October. As an industry-leading expert, Baird presented testimony before the U.S. Congress Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment in February 2011. His testimony addressed strategic minerals issues and the environment.
Baird graduated magna cum laude from Colgate University in 1976 with degrees in geology and political science and from the University of Virginia, School of Law in 1981. Prior to law school, Baird was with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. He has also worked in-house in the law departments of the American Mining Congress in Washington, D.C. in 1979 and for Exxon Minerals Company, USA and Union Pacific Resources.
The U.S. mining industry and Idaho's CuMo Project continues to benefit from Baird's guidance as he promotes responsible mining practices and sustainable resource development.
ABOUT AMERICAN CUMO MINING CORPORATION
American CuMo Mining Corporation is a mining exploration and development company with a diverse portfolio of high potential precious and base metals projects, located in low political risk environments in North America. The Company's primary focus is developing its Idaho-based CuMo Project, one of the world's largest molybdenum deposits.
