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Overview of Modern Mining
What is modern mining?
Mining is one of the oldest industries on Earth. With the exception of agriculture, mining is the only method of obtaining the raw materials we need to maintain our way of life.
This country's modern mining industry is technologically advanced and strives to be one of America's safest industries. See how today's mining companies continue to provide us with necessary resources in a safe, responsible way, while contributing to our economic growth through strong employment, high wages and local economic growth..
Who are the modern miners?
The minerals mined in each state vary, but the people who conduct the operations are all well trained and dedicated to a safe workplace. Mining operations employ almost 350,000 people nationwide - and pay their employees 38% more per year than other industries, on average. The average mining industry employee has 20 years of experience. The modern miner must be qualified and competent to operate some of the largest and most complicated machinery used by any industry. Please see our mining employment page for more information on the modern miner.
What are we mining?
Mining is how we obtain the raw materials we need to sustain our way of life - without newly mined minerals we would not be able to produce the cars, houses, computers or any other number of end products that we use everyday. To see how mined materials help us everyday, see our 40 common minerals and their uses page.
Half of our electricity comes from coal, which is abundant in supply and increasingly clean. We have a 240- year reserve of coal at our present rate of consumption, an energy resource that is both domestic and affordable. Coal can even be used to produce transportation fuel; please visit www.futurecoalfuels.org for more information on this exciting application of one of our greatest natural resources.
Where is mining taking place today?
Mining in the U.S. takes place in all 50 states, from gold mines in Alaska to sand and gravel mines in Florida. Many communities were originally established around mining operations, a tradition that continues to this day. Mining may be conducted as either a surface or underground operation. Please see our state mining statistics page for a complete breakdown of minerals produced in each state.
Modern mining operations take a great deal of care to have as little impact on the surrounding environment as possible. Before any operation begins, highly trained specialists complete an environmental impact assessment and develop a reclamation plan to reclaim the land once operations are finished. Many former mining sites are now wildlife sanctuaries, recreation ares, schools, etc.. Please see our reclamation page for more on these efforts.
How is modern mining done?
Like every industry, the equipment and methods used in mining have adapted and improved with technology. Sophisticated communications systems are an integrated part of all aspects of modern mining.
Safety is priority one at modern mining operations: new training proceedures, more advanced technology, greater safety awareness and regulatory oversight have all led to safer mining. This commitment to safety has led to increasingly safer mining. Please see our safety statistics page for more information on how modern mining keeps its employees safe.
The modern mining industry recognizes the impact its activities have on the environment and seeks to strike a balance between our need for energy, metals and minerals and the needs of future generations. Reclamation of mining sites is one way in which the industry helps meet its environmental obligations. Please see the NMA Sustainable Development Principles page for more information on how the modern mining industry approaches the issue of conservation.
