OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Albert C.S. Chang joined New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) as Director of the Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) on April 3, 2023. Mr. Chang comes to EMNRD from the City of Albuquerque, where he served as deputy director of the Environmental Health Department for the Air Quality Program. Prior to that, Mr. Chang served as an environmental engineer with the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, Mr. Chang also holds a master’s degree in public administration, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.

The Office of the Director formulates division resource development, policy, planning, and administrative and fiscal management.

The Director is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to administer laws and regulations pertaining to hard rock and coal mining, mine registration and safeguarding, and annual industry reporting. The Director serves as the state’s representative on mining issues for EMNRD and, occasionally, for the Governor, and represents New Mexico on the Interstate Mining Compact Commission.

The Director and staff provide administrative and fiscal management, and liaison with the legislature on budget and legislation issues.