A wide variety of mineral education materials are available to students, educators and the general public. We encourage you to learn more about the important role that minerals play in our lives and how modern mining practices focus on environmental responsibility and safety.

Mining Industry Overview

Mining is a basic industry and one of the oldest on Earth. With the exception of agriculture, mining is the only method of obtaining the raw materials we need to maintain our way of life. In fact it’s accurate to say that “Everything is Either Grown or Mined”.

Most mining today is very technologically advanced, and in the United States, mining is also one of the safest industries, employing nearly 350,000 people across the country. Today's mining companies provide us with necessary resources in a safe, responsible way, while contributing to our economic growth through strong employment, high wages and local economic growth.

What are we mining?

Mining is how we obtain the raw materials we need to sustain our way of life – without newly mined minerals we would not be able to produce the cars, houses, computers or any other number of end products that we use everyday.

In the U.S., half of our electricity comes from coal, which is abundant in supply and increasingly clean. We have a 240- year reserve of coal at our present rate of consumption, an energy resource that is both domestic and affordable. Coal can even be used to produce transportation fuel.

Where is mining taking place today?

Mining in the U.S. takes place in all 50 states, from gold mines in Alaska to sand and gravel mines in Wisconsin. Many communities were originally established around mining operations, a tradition that continues to this day. Mining may be conducted as either a surface or underground operation. Joy Global Inc. companies serve both surface and underground mines. Modern mining operations take a great deal of care to have as little impact on the surrounding environment as possible. Before any operation begins, highly trained specialists complete an environmental impact assessment and develop a reclamation plan to reclaim the land once operations are finished. Many former mining sites are now wildlife sanctuaries, recreation areas or schools.

How is modern mining done?

Like every industry, the equipment and methods used in mining have adapted and improved with technology. Sophisticated communications systems are an integrated part of all aspects of modern mining. Joy Global Inc. companies are continually innovating to help mines be even more efficient and cost effective.

Safety is priority one at modern mining operations: new training procedures. A commitment to safety, which includes more advanced technology, greater safety awareness and regulatory oversight, has led to safer mining. Joy Global Inc. companies strive to emulate the mining industry in its safety focus and performance. The modern mining industry recognizes the impact its activities have on the environment and seeks to strike a balance between our need for energy, metals and minerals and the needs of future generations. Reclamation of mining sites is one way in which the industry helps meet its environmental obligations.