"Our message to Washington and to the American people is this: With your help, we can unlock the rich potential of our mineral lands under the most responsible mining practices in the world," he said. "I invite all of you to help us carry this message."

Gibbons said the push for opening up mining on federal lands, more certainty in the permitting process and ensuring strict environmental protection will require involvement — and also some give-and-take — by all stakeholders.

"In the last eight years, being the lone geologist serving in Congress, there has never been a better opportunity for reforming the mining law in a way that will reassert citizens' rights to explore and mine on federal lands in this country than there is today," he said.

Tim Wigley of Pac/West Communications had some suggestions on how to bolster support for the reform fight. In pushing for passage of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, his organization helped supporters of the forest products industry "reshape and reframe the debate," he said.

Pac/West was like a political campaign in the way it was pro-active and nimble. It used research to determine which messages would be most effective when speaking to policy leaders and the news media. The message was very disciplined, helping supporters confront opponents head-on, he said.

"That's the way campaigns operate. We reframed and reshaped the agendas so that they then had to talk about it on our turf," Wigley said. "Because if we play the game on their turf, with their language, we lose."

The society's annual meeting and exhibit continues through Wednesday at the Salt Palace.

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E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com