Dredging for Gold in California (RI 3413)

US Bureau of Mines

Dredging for Gold in California (RI 3413)

US Bureau of Mines · 1939 · Prospecting

USBM technical study on bucket-line dredging operations in California rivers. Covers dredge design, operating costs, and geology of dredging ground.

Overview

Dredging for Gold in California (RI 3413) is a 1939 prospecting guide by US Bureau of Mines, preserved in the Mountain Man Mining research library. USBM technical study on bucket-line dredging operations in California rivers. Covers dredge design, operating costs, and geology of dredging ground.

This 1939 document, Dredging for Gold in California (RI 3413), is preserved in the Mountain Man Mining Library for research and reference. Original source: www.usgs.gov.

How can I find U.S. Bureau of Mines publications?

After 85 years of service, the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) closed in 1996. Certain functions, such as the collection, analysis, and dissemination of minerals information, have been returned to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). For information on former USBM programs or publications, please see the following sources:

Selected U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) Publications via ScienceBase

Historical Files from Federal Government Mineral Exploration-Assistance Programs, 1950 to 1974

The National Technical Reports Library (part of the National Technical information Service) has a "legacy" collection of USBM publications dating from 1910-1996. These publications represent most of the research work done by the USBM in the fields of mining technology, mine safety and health, and the mineral industry.

The National Archives and Records Administration also has records for the U.S. Bureau of Mines. Some records from regional offices go back to the 1860s.

The Minerals Information Program was transferred to U.S. Geological Survey, now a part of our Mineral Resources Program . Send an email to minerals@usgs.gov

Interlibrary loan - get assistance from a reference librarian at a public or private library.

USGS information about mines is on our Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data website .

Multimedia

Publications

News

How do we extract minerals?

The primary methods used to extract minerals from the ground are: Underground mining Surface (open pit) mining Placer mining The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade, mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use. Higher-grade metallic ores found in veins deep under the Earth's...

How do we extract minerals?

The primary methods used to extract minerals from the ground are: Underground mining Surface (open pit) mining Placer mining The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade, mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use. Higher-grade metallic ores found in veins deep under the Earth's...

Learn More

How large is a lifetime supply of minerals for the average person?

At today's level of consumption, the average newborn infant will need a lifetime supply of: 871 pounds of lead 502 pounds of zinc 950 pounds of copper 2,692 pounds of aluminum 21,645 pounds of iron ore 11,614 pounds of clays 30,091 pounds of salt 1,420,000 pounds of stone, sand, gravel, and cement Learn more: Mineral Resources: Out of the ground...into our daily lives

How large is a lifetime supply of minerals for the average person?

At today's level of consumption, the average newborn infant will need a lifetime supply of: 871 pounds of lead 502 pounds of zinc 950 pounds of copper 2,692 pounds of aluminum 21,645 pounds of iron ore 11,614 pounds of clays 30,091 pounds of salt 1,420,000 pounds of stone, sand, gravel, and cement Learn more: Mineral Resources: Out of the ground...into our daily lives

Learn More

How many pounds of minerals are required by the average person in a year?

To maintain our standard of living, each person in the United States requires over 40,630 pounds of minerals each year: 10, 765 pounds of stone 7,254 pounds of sand and gravel 685 pounds of cement 148 pounds of clays 383 pounds of salt 275 pounds of iron ore 168 pounds of phosphate rock 35 pounds of soda ash 34 pounds of aluminum 12 pounds of copper 11 pounds of lead 6 pounds of zinc 5 pounds of...

How many pounds of minerals are required by the average person in a year?

To maintain our standard of living, each person in the United States requires over 40,630 pounds of minerals each year: 10, 765 pounds of stone 7,254 pounds of sand and gravel 685 pounds of cement 148 pounds of clays 383 pounds of salt 275 pounds of iron ore 168 pounds of phosphate rock 35 pounds of soda ash 34 pounds of aluminum 12 pounds of copper 11 pounds of lead 6 pounds of zinc 5 pounds of...

Learn More

Minerals in Mobile Devices — Infographic

April 6, 2017

Minerals in Mobile Devices — Infographic

This infographic displays the different minerals located in mobile devices. Included within this infographic are:

By

Energy and Minerals , Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

April 6, 2017

Minerals in Mobile Devices — Infographic

This infographic displays the different minerals located in mobile devices. Included within this infographic are:

By

Energy and Minerals , Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

Loading Coal in the Trapper Mine

December 31, 2016

Loading Coal in the Trapper Mine

Coal is loaded into trucks at the Trapper Mine in northwest Colorado.

By

Energy and Minerals Mission Area , Energy Resources Program , Central Energy Resources Science Center , Communications and Publishing

December 31, 2016

Loading Coal in the Trapper Mine

Coal is loaded into trucks at the Trapper Mine in northwest Colorado.

By

Energy and Minerals Mission Area , Energy Resources Program , Central Energy Resources Science Center , Communications and Publishing

Soil Sampling Near Uranium Mine

October 23, 2014

Soil Sampling Near Uranium Mine

USGS Scientists Sarah Davis, Taylor Mills, and David Naftz collect soil samples near the Pinenut uranium mine. Mine features visible in the background include the gray ore stockpile at the far left, the head frame used to access the underground mine workings at mid left, and the detention pond containing all water produced on the mine site on the right.

By

Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

October 23, 2014

Soil Sampling Near Uranium Mine

USGS Scientists Sarah Davis, Taylor Mills, and David Naftz collect soil samples near the Pinenut uranium mine. Mine features visible in the background include the gray ore stockpile at the far left, the head frame used to access the underground mine workings at mid left, and the detention pond containing all water produced on the mine site on the right.

By

Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

Supergene Leached Zone at Silver Bell Mine

January 1, 2010

Supergene Leached Zone at Silver Bell Mine

Supergene Leached zone at Silver Bell Mine, AZ.

By

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

January 1, 2010

Supergene Leached Zone at Silver Bell Mine

Supergene Leached zone at Silver Bell Mine, AZ.

By

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA

November 6, 2007

Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA

Sampling acid mine drainage residuals in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.

By

Water Resources Mission Area , Communications and Publishing

November 6, 2007

Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA

Sampling acid mine drainage residuals in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.

By

Water Resources Mission Area , Communications and Publishing

Drilling for mineral resources near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

May 1, 2007

Drilling for mineral resources near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

By

Southwest Biological Science Center , Communications and Publishing

May 1, 2007

Drilling for mineral resources near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

By

Southwest Biological Science Center , Communications and Publishing

Phosphate Mine Pile

June 30, 2006

Phosphate Mine Pile

A phosphate mine tailing pile taken in the Southern Coastal Plain Ecoregion (FL) in July 2006.

By

Communications and Publishing

June 30, 2006

Phosphate Mine Pile

A phosphate mine tailing pile taken in the Southern Coastal Plain Ecoregion (FL) in July 2006.

By

Communications and Publishing

Abandoned Mine Shaft

July 31, 2002

Abandoned Mine Shaft

An abandoned mine shaft taken in the Mojave Basin and Range Ecoregion (NV) in August 2002.

By

Communications and Publishing

July 31, 2002

Abandoned Mine Shaft

An abandoned mine shaft taken in the Mojave Basin and Range Ecoregion (NV) in August 2002.

By

Communications and Publishing

Red and Bonita Mine

Red and Bonita Mine located approximately .4 miles from the Gold King Mine.

By

Contaminant Biology , Toxic Substances Hydrology , Environmental Health Program , Communications and Publishing

Red and Bonita Mine

Red and Bonita Mine located approximately .4 miles from the Gold King Mine.

By

Contaminant Biology , Toxic Substances Hydrology , Environmental Health Program , Communications and Publishing

Climax Molybdenum Mine

Climax Molybdenum Mine, near Breckenridge, Colorado

By

Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

Climax Molybdenum Mine

Climax Molybdenum Mine, near Breckenridge, Colorado

By

Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

Stillwater Mine

View of the Stullwater Mine, where rocks are collected for making lunar regolith simulant.

The USGS has created man-made moon dirt, or regolith, to help NASA prepare for upcoming moon explorations. Four tons of the simulant is expected to be made by this summer of 2009 and turned over to the scientific community involved in lunar exploration.

By

Astrogeology Science Center , Communications and Publishing

Stillwater Mine

View of the Stullwater Mine, where rocks are collected for making lunar regolith simulant.

The USGS has created man-made moon dirt, or regolith, to help NASA prepare for upcoming moon explorations. Four tons of the simulant is expected to be made by this summer of 2009 and turned over to the scientific community involved in lunar exploration.

By

Astrogeology Science Center , Communications and Publishing

August 22, 2017

Use of raw materials in the United States from 1900 through 2014

The economic growth of an industrialized nation such as the United States requires raw materials for construction (buildings, bridges, highways, and so forth), defense, and processing and manufacture of goods and services. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the types and quantities of raw materials used have increased and changed significantly. This fact sheet quantifies the...

Authors

Grecia R. Matos

By

National Minerals Information Center

August 16, 2017

Minor metals and renewable energy—Diversifying America's energy sources

Solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine technologies are projected to make up an increasing proportion of electricity generation capacity in the United States in the coming decades. By 2050, they will account for 36 percent (or 566 gigawatts) of capacity compared with about 11 percent (or 118 gigawatts) in 2016 (fig. 1; EIA, 2017). There are several different types of commercial solar...

Authors

Sheryl A. Singerling, Nedal T. Nassar

By

National Minerals Information Center

January 31, 2017

Mineral commodity summaries 2017

This report is the earliest Government publication to furnish estimates covering 2016 nonfuel mineral industry data. Data sheets contain information on the domestic industry structure, Government programs, tariffs, and 5-year salient statistics for more than 90 individual minerals and materials.

Authors

Joyce A. Ober

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , National Minerals Information Center

September 19, 2016

U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program—Mineral resource science supporting informed decisionmaking

The USGS Mineral Resources Program (MRP) delivers unbiased science and information to increase understanding of mineral resource potential, production, and consumption, and how mineral resources interact with the environment. The MRP is the Federal Government's sole source for this mineral resource science and information. Program goals are to (1) increase understanding of mineral...

Authors

Aleeza Wilkins, Jeff L. Doebrich

By

Mineral Resources Program

September 15, 2016

A world of minerals in your mobile device

Mobile phones and other high-technology communications devices could not exist without mineral commodities. More than one-half of all components in a mobile device—including its electronics, display, battery, speakers, and more—are made from mined and semiprocessed materials (mineral commodities). Some mineral commodities can be recovered as byproducts during the production and...

Authors

Jane E. Jenness, Joyce A. Ober, Aleeza Wilkins, Joseph Gambogi

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center , National Minerals Information Center

December 14, 2015

Comparison of U.S. net import reliance for nonfuel mineral commodities—A 60-year retrospective (1954-1984-2014)

Introduction The economic vitality and national security of the United States depend on the reliable supply of numerous nonfuel mineral commodities. Over the past six decades, many of these commodities have been sourced increasingly from outside the United States. The mix of commodities for which the United States is import dependent has changed as technologies have advanced, as...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, DeYoung, Elizabeth S. Sangine, Emily K. Schnebele

By

Mineral Resources Program , National Minerals Information Center

November 7, 2015

Introductory text

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides information on the current use and flow of minerals and mineral-based materials in the U.S. and world economies. This Data Series report on "Historical Global Statistics for Mineral and Material Commodities" contains information on the production of selected commodities from 1990 to the most current year. The data may be used in the analysis of

Authors

Grecia R. Matos, Lisa D. Miller, James J. Barry

By

National Minerals Information Center

January 1, 2013

U.S. Geological Survey Energy and Minerals science strategy: A resource lifecycle approach

Executive Summary The economy, national security, and standard of living of the United States depend heavily on adequate and reliable supplies of energy and mineral resources. Based on population and consumption trends, the Nation's use of energy and minerals can be expected to grow, driving the demand for ever broader scientific understanding of resource formation, location, and...

Authors

Richard C. Ferrero, Jonathan J. Kolak, Donald J. Bills, Zachary H. Bowen, Daniel J. Cordier, Tanya J. Gallegos, James R. Hein, Karen D. Kelley, Philip H. Nelson, Vito F. Nuccio, Jeanine M. Schmidt, Robert R. Seal

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program , Energy Resources Program , Central Energy Resources Science Center , Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center , Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

October 17, 2007

From Projectile Points to Microprocessors - The Influence of Some Industrial Minerals

In the language of economic geology, Earth materials are classified as metallic ores, fuel minerals, gemstones, and industrial minerals. Most people know that metallic ores yield shiny, conductive, ductile elements such as copper, iron, or gold. Most understand that energy-producing coals constitute a fuel mineral. Likewise, dazzling rubies and rare sapphires are universally recognized...

Authors

Rhonda Driscoll

January 1, 2005

The life cycle of a mineral deposit: a teacher's guide for hands-on mineral education activities

This teacher's guide defines what a mineral deposit is and how a mineral deposit is identified and measured, how the mineral resources are extracted, and how the mining site is reclaimed; how minerals and mineral resources are processed; and how we use mineral resources in our every day lives. Included are 10 activitybased learning exercises that educate students on basic geologic...

Authors

Dave Frank, John Galloway, Ken Assmus

USGS Records Nonfuel Mineral Production Jump of $3.6 Billion in 2022

February 2, 2023

USGS Records Nonfuel Mineral Production Jump of $3.6 Billion in 2022

RESTON, Va. - U.S. mines produced approximately \$98.2 billion in nonfuel mineral commodities in 2022—an estimated $3.6 billion increase over the 2021...

Read Article

Critical Minerals of the United States

December 19, 2017

Critical Minerals of the United States

It would be no exaggeration to say that without minerals, no aspect of our daily lives would be possible.

Read Article

Rich, Attractive, and Extremely Shallow

July 17, 2017

Rich, Attractive, and Extremely Shallow

No, it's not a title for a new reality-dating TV show, but it is real science! It also describes the ideal mineral deposit.

Read Article

EarthWord-Placer

April 25, 2017

EarthWord-Placer

Whether you pan for gold or rare earths, you'll get a lot of sand...and this EarthWord!

Read Article

Risk and Reliance: The U.S. Economy and Mineral Resources

April 12, 2017

Risk and Reliance: The U.S. Economy and Mineral Resources

The USGS National Minerals Information Center tracks how much the United States relies on other countries for minerals critical to the economy and...

Read Article

Ordinary Minerals Give Smartphones Extraordinary Capabilities

April 4, 2017

Ordinary Minerals Give Smartphones Extraordinary Capabilities

Earlier this year, Apple's iPhone celebrated the 10th anniversary of its introduction to the world, an event that fueled a transformation within the...

Read Article

Cutting-Edge Tools to Explore Alaska's Mineral Potential

December 14, 2016

Cutting-Edge Tools to Explore Alaska's Mineral Potential

Managing 72 million acres of Federal lands in Alaska is not easy, especially when the land's many uses need to be balanced. There are several...

Read Article

EarthWord - Mother Lode

May 6, 2016

EarthWord - Mother Lode

Happy Mother's Day from EarthWords!

Read Article

EarthWord - Ore

February 15, 2016

EarthWord - Ore

The naturally occurring material from which a mineral or minerals of economic value can be extracted. Usually minerals, especially metals, are mined...

Read Article

How do we extract minerals?

The primary methods used to extract minerals from the ground are: Underground mining Surface (open pit) mining Placer mining The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade, mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use. Higher-grade metallic ores found in veins deep under the Earth's...

How do we extract minerals?

The primary methods used to extract minerals from the ground are: Underground mining Surface (open pit) mining Placer mining The location and shape of the deposit, strength of the rock, ore grade, mining costs, and current market price of the commodity are some of the determining factors for selecting which mining method to use. Higher-grade metallic ores found in veins deep under the Earth's...

Learn More

How large is a lifetime supply of minerals for the average person?

At today's level of consumption, the average newborn infant will need a lifetime supply of: 871 pounds of lead 502 pounds of zinc 950 pounds of copper 2,692 pounds of aluminum 21,645 pounds of iron ore 11,614 pounds of clays 30,091 pounds of salt 1,420,000 pounds of stone, sand, gravel, and cement Learn more: Mineral Resources: Out of the ground...into our daily lives

How large is a lifetime supply of minerals for the average person?

At today's level of consumption, the average newborn infant will need a lifetime supply of: 871 pounds of lead 502 pounds of zinc 950 pounds of copper 2,692 pounds of aluminum 21,645 pounds of iron ore 11,614 pounds of clays 30,091 pounds of salt 1,420,000 pounds of stone, sand, gravel, and cement Learn more: Mineral Resources: Out of the ground...into our daily lives

Learn More

How many pounds of minerals are required by the average person in a year?

To maintain our standard of living, each person in the United States requires over 40,630 pounds of minerals each year: 10, 765 pounds of stone 7,254 pounds of sand and gravel 685 pounds of cement 148 pounds of clays 383 pounds of salt 275 pounds of iron ore 168 pounds of phosphate rock 35 pounds of soda ash 34 pounds of aluminum 12 pounds of copper 11 pounds of lead 6 pounds of zinc 5 pounds of...

How many pounds of minerals are required by the average person in a year?

To maintain our standard of living, each person in the United States requires over 40,630 pounds of minerals each year: 10, 765 pounds of stone 7,254 pounds of sand and gravel 685 pounds of cement 148 pounds of clays 383 pounds of salt 275 pounds of iron ore 168 pounds of phosphate rock 35 pounds of soda ash 34 pounds of aluminum 12 pounds of copper 11 pounds of lead 6 pounds of zinc 5 pounds of...

Learn More

Multimedia

Minerals in Mobile Devices — Infographic

April 6, 2017

Minerals in Mobile Devices — Infographic

This infographic displays the different minerals located in mobile devices. Included within this infographic are:

By

Energy and Minerals , Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

April 6, 2017

Minerals in Mobile Devices — Infographic

This infographic displays the different minerals located in mobile devices. Included within this infographic are:

By

Energy and Minerals , Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

Loading Coal in the Trapper Mine

December 31, 2016

Loading Coal in the Trapper Mine

Coal is loaded into trucks at the Trapper Mine in northwest Colorado.

By

Energy and Minerals Mission Area , Energy Resources Program , Central Energy Resources Science Center , Communications and Publishing

December 31, 2016

Loading Coal in the Trapper Mine

Coal is loaded into trucks at the Trapper Mine in northwest Colorado.

By

Energy and Minerals Mission Area , Energy Resources Program , Central Energy Resources Science Center , Communications and Publishing

Soil Sampling Near Uranium Mine

October 23, 2014

Soil Sampling Near Uranium Mine

USGS Scientists Sarah Davis, Taylor Mills, and David Naftz collect soil samples near the Pinenut uranium mine. Mine features visible in the background include the gray ore stockpile at the far left, the head frame used to access the underground mine workings at mid left, and the detention pond containing all water produced on the mine site on the right.

By

Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

October 23, 2014

Soil Sampling Near Uranium Mine

USGS Scientists Sarah Davis, Taylor Mills, and David Naftz collect soil samples near the Pinenut uranium mine. Mine features visible in the background include the gray ore stockpile at the far left, the head frame used to access the underground mine workings at mid left, and the detention pond containing all water produced on the mine site on the right.

By

Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

Supergene Leached Zone at Silver Bell Mine

January 1, 2010

Supergene Leached Zone at Silver Bell Mine

Supergene Leached zone at Silver Bell Mine, AZ.

By

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

January 1, 2010

Supergene Leached Zone at Silver Bell Mine

Supergene Leached zone at Silver Bell Mine, AZ.

By

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA

November 6, 2007

Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA

Sampling acid mine drainage residuals in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.

By

Water Resources Mission Area , Communications and Publishing

November 6, 2007

Sampling Acid Mine Drainage in Elk_County, PA

Sampling acid mine drainage residuals in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The USGS has pioneered a new use for these residuals that are currently a disposal challenge, using them to filter phosphorus from agricultural and municipal wastewaters.

By

Water Resources Mission Area , Communications and Publishing

Drilling for mineral resources near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

May 1, 2007

Drilling for mineral resources near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

By

Southwest Biological Science Center , Communications and Publishing

May 1, 2007

Drilling for mineral resources near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

By

Southwest Biological Science Center , Communications and Publishing

Phosphate Mine Pile

June 30, 2006

Phosphate Mine Pile

A phosphate mine tailing pile taken in the Southern Coastal Plain Ecoregion (FL) in July 2006.

By

Communications and Publishing

June 30, 2006

Phosphate Mine Pile

A phosphate mine tailing pile taken in the Southern Coastal Plain Ecoregion (FL) in July 2006.

By

Communications and Publishing

Abandoned Mine Shaft

July 31, 2002

Abandoned Mine Shaft

An abandoned mine shaft taken in the Mojave Basin and Range Ecoregion (NV) in August 2002.

By

Communications and Publishing

July 31, 2002

Abandoned Mine Shaft

An abandoned mine shaft taken in the Mojave Basin and Range Ecoregion (NV) in August 2002.

By

Communications and Publishing

Red and Bonita Mine

Red and Bonita Mine located approximately .4 miles from the Gold King Mine.

By

Contaminant Biology , Toxic Substances Hydrology , Environmental Health Program , Communications and Publishing

Red and Bonita Mine

Red and Bonita Mine located approximately .4 miles from the Gold King Mine.

By

Contaminant Biology , Toxic Substances Hydrology , Environmental Health Program , Communications and Publishing

Climax Molybdenum Mine

Climax Molybdenum Mine, near Breckenridge, Colorado

By

Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

Climax Molybdenum Mine

Climax Molybdenum Mine, near Breckenridge, Colorado

By

Mineral Resources Program , Communications and Publishing

Stillwater Mine

View of the Stullwater Mine, where rocks are collected for making lunar regolith simulant.

The USGS has created man-made moon dirt, or regolith, to help NASA prepare for upcoming moon explorations. Four tons of the simulant is expected to be made by this summer of 2009 and turned over to the scientific community involved in lunar exploration.

By

Astrogeology Science Center , Communications and Publishing

Stillwater Mine

View of the Stullwater Mine, where rocks are collected for making lunar regolith simulant.

The USGS has created man-made moon dirt, or regolith, to help NASA prepare for upcoming moon explorations. Four tons of the simulant is expected to be made by this summer of 2009 and turned over to the scientific community involved in lunar exploration.

By

Astrogeology Science Center , Communications and Publishing

Publications

August 22, 2017

Use of raw materials in the United States from 1900 through 2014

The economic growth of an industrialized nation such as the United States requires raw materials for construction (buildings, bridges, highways, and so forth), defense, and processing and manufacture of goods and services. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the types and quantities of raw materials used have increased and changed significantly. This fact sheet quantifies the...

Authors

Grecia R. Matos

By

National Minerals Information Center

August 16, 2017

Minor metals and renewable energy—Diversifying America's energy sources

Solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine technologies are projected to make up an increasing proportion of electricity generation capacity in the United States in the coming decades. By 2050, they will account for 36 percent (or 566 gigawatts) of capacity compared with about 11 percent (or 118 gigawatts) in 2016 (fig. 1; EIA, 2017). There are several different types of commercial solar...

Authors

Sheryl A. Singerling, Nedal T. Nassar

By

National Minerals Information Center

January 31, 2017

Mineral commodity summaries 2017

This report is the earliest Government publication to furnish estimates covering 2016 nonfuel mineral industry data. Data sheets contain information on the domestic industry structure, Government programs, tariffs, and 5-year salient statistics for more than 90 individual minerals and materials.

Authors

Joyce A. Ober

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Mineral Resources Program , National Minerals Information Center

September 19, 2016

U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program—Mineral resource science supporting informed decisionmaking

The USGS Mineral Resources Program (MRP) delivers unbiased science and information to increase understanding of mineral resource potential, production, and consumption, and how mineral resources interact with the environment. The MRP is the Federal Government's sole source for this mineral resource science and information. Program goals are to (1) increase understanding of mineral...

Authors

Aleeza Wilkins, Jeff L. Doebrich

By

Mineral Resources Program

September 15, 2016

A world of minerals in your mobile device

Mobile phones and other high-technology communications devices could not exist without mineral commodities. More than one-half of all components in a mobile device—including its electronics, display, battery, speakers, and more—are made from mined and semiprocessed materials (mineral commodities). Some mineral commodities can be recovered as byproducts during the production and...

Authors

Jane E. Jenness, Joyce A. Ober, Aleeza Wilkins, Joseph Gambogi

By

Mineral Resources Program , Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center , National Minerals Information Center

December 14, 2015

Comparison of U.S. net import reliance for nonfuel mineral commodities—A 60-year retrospective (1954-1984-2014)

Introduction The economic vitality and national security of the United States depend on the reliable supply of numerous nonfuel mineral commodities. Over the past six decades, many of these commodities have been sourced increasingly from outside the United States. The mix of commodities for which the United States is import dependent has changed as technologies have advanced, as...

Authors

Steven M. Fortier, DeYoung, Elizabeth S. Sangine, Emily K. Schnebele

By

Mineral Resources Program , National Minerals Information Center

November 7, 2015

Introductory text

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides information on the current use and flow of minerals and mineral-based materials in the U.S. and world economies. This Data Series report on "Historical Global Statistics for Mineral and Material Commodities" contains information on the production of selected commodities from 1990 to the most current year. The data may be used in the analysis of

Authors

Grecia R. Matos, Lisa D. Miller, James J. Barry

By

National Minerals Information Center

January 1, 2013

U.S. Geological Survey Energy and Minerals science strategy: A resource lifecycle approach

Executive Summary The economy, national security, and standard of living of the United States depend heavily on adequate and reliable supplies of energy and mineral resources. Based on population and consumption trends, the Nation's use of energy and minerals can be expected to grow, driving the demand for ever broader scientific understanding of resource formation, location, and...

Authors

Richard C. Ferrero, Jonathan J. Kolak, Donald J. Bills, Zachary H. Bowen, Daniel J. Cordier, Tanya J. Gallegos, James R. Hein, Karen D. Kelley, Philip H. Nelson, Vito F. Nuccio, Jeanine M. Schmidt, Robert R. Seal

By

Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area , Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program , Energy Resources Program , Central Energy Resources Science Center , Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center , Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization

October 17, 2007

From Projectile Points to Microprocessors - The Influence of Some Industrial Minerals

In the language of economic geology, Earth materials are classified as metallic ores, fuel minerals, gemstones, and industrial minerals. Most people know that metallic ores yield shiny, conductive, ductile elements such as copper, iron, or gold. Most understand that energy-producing coals constitute a fuel mineral. Likewise, dazzling rubies and rare sapphires are universally recognized...

Authors

Rhonda Driscoll

January 1, 2005

The life cycle of a mineral deposit: a teacher's guide for hands-on mineral education activities

This teacher's guide defines what a mineral deposit is and how a mineral deposit is identified and measured, how the mineral resources are extracted, and how the mining site is reclaimed; how minerals and mineral resources are processed; and how we use mineral resources in our every day lives. Included are 10 activitybased learning exercises that educate students on basic geologic...

Authors

Dave Frank, John Galloway, Ken Assmus

News

USGS Records Nonfuel Mineral Production Jump of $3.6 Billion in 2022

February 2, 2023

USGS Records Nonfuel Mineral Production Jump of $3.6 Billion in 2022

RESTON, Va. - U.S. mines produced approximately \$98.2 billion in nonfuel mineral commodities in 2022—an estimated $3.6 billion increase over the 2021...

Read Article

Critical Minerals of the United States

December 19, 2017

Critical Minerals of the United States

It would be no exaggeration to say that without minerals, no aspect of our daily lives would be possible.

Read Article

Rich, Attractive, and Extremely Shallow

July 17, 2017

Rich, Attractive, and Extremely Shallow

No, it's not a title for a new reality-dating TV show, but it is real science! It also describes the ideal mineral deposit.

Read Article

EarthWord-Placer

April 25, 2017

EarthWord-Placer

Whether you pan for gold or rare earths, you'll get a lot of sand...and this EarthWord!

Read Article

Risk and Reliance: The U.S. Economy and Mineral Resources

April 12, 2017

Risk and Reliance: The U.S. Economy and Mineral Resources

The USGS National Minerals Information Center tracks how much the United States relies on other countries for minerals critical to the economy and...

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Ordinary Minerals Give Smartphones Extraordinary Capabilities

April 4, 2017

Ordinary Minerals Give Smartphones Extraordinary Capabilities

Earlier this year, Apple's iPhone celebrated the 10th anniversary of its introduction to the world, an event that fueled a transformation within the...

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Cutting-Edge Tools to Explore Alaska's Mineral Potential

December 14, 2016

Cutting-Edge Tools to Explore Alaska's Mineral Potential

Managing 72 million acres of Federal lands in Alaska is not easy, especially when the land's many uses need to be balanced. There are several...

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EarthWord - Mother Lode

May 6, 2016

EarthWord - Mother Lode

Happy Mother's Day from EarthWords!

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EarthWord - Ore

February 15, 2016

EarthWord - Ore

The naturally occurring material from which a mineral or minerals of economic value can be extracted. Usually minerals, especially metals, are mined...

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Updated Date: March 4, 2026

Dredging for Gold in California (RI 3413)

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