Crystal Brantley, a New Mexico State Senator, said that Chris Hefner's leadership as State Mine Inspector ensures safe working conditions for New Mexico's miners and contributes to the continued success of the state's mining sector. This statement was made in a press release on March 12.
"As our State Mine Inspector, he ensures our miners have safe working conditions and that families know their loved ones are coming home each day," said Brantley. "Our mining sector is not only a staple of New Mexico's economy but also a source of pride for many of our communities. From copper in my district to potash in Eddy County and coal in other regions, Chris Hefner's leadership ensures these critical industries continue to thrive safely and sustainably."
According to The Grant County Beat, Chris Hefner was reconfirmed as New Mexico's State Mine Inspector by a unanimous 38-0 Senate vote, reflecting strong bipartisan support for his leadership. Since his initial appointment in 2020, he has overseen mine inspections, accident investigations, and safety training programs to protect workers in the state’s mining sector. Operating out of the New Mexico Bureau of Mine Safety at New Mexico Tech, Hefner collaborates with miners, companies, and regulators to uphold high safety standards and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
In 2022, New Mexico ranked third in copper production, producing 189 million pounds valued at $758 million. The state also led the nation in potash production, extracting approximately 0.6 million tons valued at $412.9 million. According to the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources, these industries contribute heavily to the state’s economy by supporting jobs and infrastructure development in mining communities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that New Mexico's private industry recorded 12,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022, with a total recordable cases (TRC) incidence rate of 2.3 per 100 full-time workers. This was slightly lower than the national rate of 2.7 per 100 workers, reflecting improvements in workplace safety standards. The mining sector has seen ongoing efforts to reduce injuries through enhanced training programs and stricter compliance measures.
According to her website, Senator Brantley is noted as the first woman and Republican to represent New Mexico’s Senate District 35. She is a Las Cruces native, an NMSU graduate, and a rural advocate who serves on the Senate Finance Committee with a strong focus on agriculture, law enforcement, and small business support.
