Mining & Mineral Statistics

Mineral Usage Statistics

2023 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 2023, this amount is 3.07 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. These statistics need to represent an entire year and thus are using the completed statistics from the previous year.  The companion graphic, “MEC Minerals Needed Every Year,” explains that 40,209 pounds of new minerals must be provided for every person in the United States each year to make the things we use daily.

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2023 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 2022 production (previous year), 794 lbs. of cement will be needed to make the roads, sidewalks, bridges, schools and houses you will use this year.

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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

U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity reports 

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.