Mining’s boom days in Utah aren’t all in the past, judging by a new report, “Minerals in the Economy of Utah,” prepared by the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of Interior.
Would you have guessed that the value of Utah mineral production for 1977, including mineral fuels, amounted to $1,140 million? That’s what the report says, This was an increase over the value reported for 1976.
Manufacturing sets the pace in Utah’s economy. But were you aware that mining is the second leading source of income followed by defense, agriculture, and tourism?
The Bureau of Mines report says Utah is one of the top 15 states in mineral production, another feather in the cap of the Beehive State.
Crude petroleum, copper, and coal are the leading mineral commodities in terms of revenue, accounting for 71 percent of the total mineral production value in the state.
They are followed, in order, by uranium, gold, natural gas, portland cement, and molybdenum.
Utah leads the entire nation, according to the report, in output of beryllium concentrates and selenium; ranks second in copper; and is third in gold, uranium, and potassium salts.
The largest single copper mining operation in the United States – also producing molybdenum, gold, silver, and selenium as byproducts – is located in Utah.
Metals, mainly copper from Kennecott’s Utah Copper Division operation, accounted for 38 percent and nonmetals for 9 percent of the total value of mineral production in the state.
The “Minerals in the Economy of Utah” report forecast that in 1978, the output of mineral fuels would increase; but that copper, lead, and zinc probably would continue to suffer from depressed markets. Uranium, potash, and tungsten exploration and development increased during 1977 and should continue in 1978. There was more activity in uranium in 1977 than in any other mineral commodity, it was noted.
These are only a few of the interesting facts in the report, compiled, according to the foreword, to provide the latest available data and information on the mineral industry in Utah; and to invite comment, revisions, and additional information on the subject.
Communications may be directed to William A. McKinney, Bureau of Mines, 1600 E. 100 S., Salt Lake City, 84112; or Carlton H. Stowe. Utah Geological and Mineral Survey, 606 Black Hawk Way, Salt Lake City, 84108. A single copy is available without charge from Publications Distribution Branch, Bureau of Mines, 4800 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213.