| The National Mining Association is the official voice of U.S. mining |
Minerals Issues
The basics of our well-being—our homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals and transportation systems—are all possible because of America’s vast mineral wealth. We also rely on metals and minerals to meet our electronic, telecommunications and national security needs.
Despite the benefits provided by domestic minerals mining, the United States has witnessed a prolonged period of underinvestment in exploration. In turn, this has caused America to become increasingly dependent on foreign sources for minerals vital to our economic and national security—including minerals for which we have proven reserves.
Did you know?
- Every American uses an average of nearly 40,000 pounds of newly mined materials each year.
- The United States produced about 6 percent of the world's nonfuel nonferrous minerals in 2010.
- The Toyota Prius plug-in-hybrid requires about 50 pounds of rare earth metals for its motor and battery.





