The Utah Mining 2018 report issued by the Utah Geological Survey summarizes 2018 mineral resource production statistics and values for Utah.
The Utah Mining 2018 report issued by the Utah Geological Survey summarizes 2018 mineral resource production statistics and values for Utah. Discussions cover non-fuel mineral resources including base and precious metals, industrial minerals, as well as coal, uranium, and unconventional fuels. The report also updates exploration projects and development of new resources.
Summary of key findings are identified below:
- The production value of Utah’s mining industry totaled $3.7 billion in 2018, an increase of $464 million (14%) from 2017.
- Utah’s total extractive resource value in 2018, including oil and gas, was estimated at $6.8 billion, with mining representing 55%.
- Metals accounted for $2.1 billion of Utah’s mining value ($1.8 billion from Bingham Canyon alone), industrial minerals accounted for $1.2 billion, and coal for $450 million. Copper was Utah’s most valuable metal commodity($1.4 billion) and sand and gravel was the most valuable industrial mineral commodity ($211 million).
- Exploration for metals and industrial minerals remained active in 2018, with an additional focus on current (beryllium, magnesium, and potash) and potential (e.g., uranium, vanadium, lithium) critical mineral production.
- Utah remains one of the top 10 states for non-fuel mineral production, as it has for the past decade, and was ranked the second most favorable mining jurisdiction in the contiguous United States.
- Long-term mining salaries continued to increase in 2018, and mining employment was up 17% from 2017.
Download the full report: https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/circular/c-126.pdf
UGS Circular 126: Utah Mining 2018
By Stephanie Mills, Andrew Rupke, Michael Vanden Berg, and Taylor Boden
The Utah Geological Survey provides timely scientific information about Utah’s geological environment, resources, and hazards.