Did you know the average American uses more than 2.96 million pounds of minerals, metals and fuels in their lifetime? The 2021 MEC Mineral Baby illustrates the important work of the mining industry to support our daily lives.

Explore these videos and virtual tours at home.

Part of the Minerals Education Coalition’s mission is to inform and educate the general public about the importance of mining in their everyday lives. MEC staff and volunteers staff in-person events, and MEC provides virtual educational materials for online events.

Find a wide range of useful resources for the Mining In Society Merit Badge.

The interactive Periodic Table of the Elements lets you click on an element to learn its history, description, benefits, sources and biological rating.

Education about minerals and mining is crucial to the future of the mining industry. Use these resources to explain the importance of mined minerals in everyday life to members of your local community.

Learn about many minerals, their properties, mining information, and uses. This database contains: minerals and ores of specific elements; individual, highlighted minerals; a limited number of rocks; and a few, key industrial materials for reference.