U.S. minerals mining is putting Americans back to work and helping to improve the economy.

The mining sector is expected to continue growing in the future for all demographics. While men employed in mining are expected to grow an extra 7 percent in by 2018, women will grow an amazing 9 percent in the mining field by 2018. Overall, employment in mining and mining related industries is expected to increase 10 percent from 2008 to 2018.

By supporting balanced policies that encourage the development of domestic minerals, Americans could see even more jobs supported by the minerals mining sector and a healthier U.S. economy.

For example, take a look at Australia, where mining is an economic boon. Australia is a leader in policies that advance the development of minerals mining, including a more efficient permitting process. As a result, the country continues to experience the economic growth created by a robust minerals mining sector. Australian leaders even credit minerals mining for the country's uptick of construction and other jobs. The minerals permitting climate in Australia is a great example of how smart policies that encourage safe development of minerals can benefit every sector of the economy.

We cannot allow jobs within minerals mining and its spinoff industries to disappear and squander the vast opportunities of mining-related growth. With our largely untapped stockpile of minerals—such as the proposed Resolution Copper mine in Arizona, home to one of the largest copper reserves in the world—the country's adoption of smart, balanced policies would create an abundance of American jobs, drastically reduce the $6.9 billion in imported minerals and keep us at the forefront of emerging technologies in a variety of sectors.