Report: Economic contributions of U.S. mining in 2010

National Mining Association prepared a report on “The Economic Contributions of U.S. Mining in 2010.” According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, there are more than 15,000 operations that mine for coal, metal ores and non-metallic minerals in the United States.  The products produced by these mines provide the energy resources and raw materials required by the rest of the economy. The ability of the U.S. economy to compete internationally all depends on the availability of such inputs.

Mining provides jobs, pays salaries and generates value in all 50 states. The five states in which mining accounts for the largest share of total state employment are Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, Nevada and Montana. In fact, U.S. mining directly and indirectly generated just over 1.98 million full-time and part-time jobs in 2010.

What is most striking is that during a time of great economic turmoil in the U.S., domestic mining added jobs and increased its contribution to the overall wealth of the nation.

To read the report in its entirety click here.