RMCMI is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the promotion of western coal through education. Member states are Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. The Institute is proud to claim members from throughout the United States, and from Canada.  Membership is diverse and includes individuals from both surface and underground mines, equipment manufacturers, service/supply firms, utilities, coal transporters, law firms, government, universities and colleges, financial institutions, and others interested in supporting the industry.

The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute has embraced the charter member's original purpose since its founding in 1912. These ideals have evolved into the present non-profit corporation as the "Object & Purposes" of the Institute.  To sponsor educational programs pertaining to coal mining technologies and production techniques, mining management and safety, federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to coal mining and other energy related issues.  To disseminate to the public and to educational and scientific institutions knowledge and the results of study and research into recent developments in coal mining technologies and production techniques, mining management and safety, federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to coal mining and other energy related issues.  To do and engage in all lawful activities that further or are consistent with the preceding "Objects and Purposes" of the corporation.  How does the Institute accomplish these objectives? Through the persons involved who hold individual memberships as opposed to corporate ones. Thought-provoking programs at the annual meeting and convention become possible because of such diverse membership.