Denver, Colorado – John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor and the Democratic Party’s candidate for Governor, will address the 112th National Western Mining Conference & Exhibition February 10 at 1:30 p.m.  
 
A geologist-turned brewpub pioneer who had never run for political office, John Hickenlooper was elected Mayor of Denver in 2003 and re-elected in 2007.  A small businessman, Hickenlooper is primarily known for founding Denver’s Wynkoop Brewing Company and other area restaurants.   During his term as Mayor, the city hosted the 2008 Democratic National Convention.   Hickenlooper last addressed the conference in 2005.
 
“The City of Denver and the state of Colorado can play an important role in creating opportunities for mining companies at home and abroad,” said Sanderson.  “As both Mayor and the Democratic Party’s standard bearer for the office of Governor, we are pleased that Hickenlooper has again accepted our invitation and look forward to his remarks on the important challenges facing Colorado – especially those in the area of mineral resource development.”     
 
On February 9, former Representative Scott McInnis, the Republican candidate for governor will address the conference.  Sanderson added, “CMA is pleased that both major party candidates will appear before our group. As the mining industry faces unprecedented challenges and even opposition in the policy arena, their presence and remarks will receive our full and complete attention.”
The theme of this year’s show is – THE NEW ENERGY ECONOMY: IT STARTS WITH MINING.  The conference will emphasize the role that minerals play in “new” energy technologies and in reducing our reliance on foreign oil.  Hickenlooper is one of many leading political figures to address the conference, which will include National Mining Association President & CEO Hal Quinn, Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold President Richard Adkerson, and many other notables.     

The Colorado Mining Association (CMA) is an industry association, founded in 1876 and incorporated in 1897, whose more than 875 members include the producers of coal, metals, agricultural and industrial minerals throughout Colorado and the west.   The conference, which will be held February 8-11 at the Westin Hotel Tabor Center, is expected to draw hundreds of mining professionals from around Colorado, the west and the nation.   It is Colorado’s premier mining event of the year.