Mineral Usage Statistics
2022 MEC Mineral Baby
The MEC Mineral Baby details the estimated amount of minerals, metals and fuels that an American born this year will use in their lifetime. In 2022, this amount is 3.02 million pounds. This is calculated with statistics from the National Mining Association and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in combination with life expectancy data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Center for Disease Control. The companion graphic, “MEC Minerals Needed Every Year,” explains that 39,431 pounds of new minerals must be provided for every person in the United States each year to make the things we use daily. This year, MEC has increased its focus on minerals important to the growing emphasis on sustainable energy, calling out silver and lithium individually, and placing petroleum products in the “Other Minerals, Metals and Fuels” number. Although the amount of lithium needed per person is small, according to the USGS, global consumption of lithium grew 33% from 2020 to 2021 due to its use in batteries, especially electric car batteries.
2022 MEC Minerals Needed Every Year (Per Capita Use of Minerals)
This graphic illustrates the quantity of minerals needed for each person in the United States this year. For example, based on 2021 production, 724 lbs. of cement will be needed to make the roads, sidewalks, bridges, schools and houses you will use this year.
USGS Commodities
Link to United States Geological Survey to find current Commodity Statistics and Information.
US Energy Information Administration
Natural Gas
Petroleum
Uranium
Coal
MINING STATISTICS
Published on an annual basis, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity reports are the earliest Government publications to furnish estimates covering nonfuel mineral industry data. Data sheets contain information on the domestic industry structure, government programs, tariffs, and 5-year salient statistics for over 90 individual minerals and materials.https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/statistics/default.html
