Pub. 4 2014 Issue 1

6 AT THE CENTER OF UTAH INDUSTRY M ining helps satisfy our ene r g y need s . Fr om t h e c o a l m i n e d i n Utah that accounts for approximately 80% of the state’s electricity generation, to the uranium used to power our nation’s nuclear energy reac tor s, to t he copper, molybdenum, iron ore, lead, zinc, and ot her impor t ant met als and minerals that make renewable energy possible, mining is critical to making our modern life work. In fact, all aspects of our economy — e l ec t r i c i t y, c ommun i c a t i ons , transpor tation systems, computer n e t wo r k s , s p a c e a n d me d i c a l technology, national security — require minerals and coal. Fortunately, the U.S. possesses extensive domestic reserves of many important mineral resources and has the world’s largest supply of recoverable coal. We take for granted in this country that the lights will go on when we flip the switch, and our heating and cooling systems will keep us comfortable. But the fact is as many as half the world’s 7 billion people live without proper access to energy for basic human needs. As no t ed i n Peabody Ene r gy ’s Advanced Energy for Life initiative, “Energy is essential – like food and water. It’s the key to a better, longer life for half the world’s population, bringing improvements in education, health and longevity. Yet, electric heat, lights, refrigerated food and medicine – crucial for basic needs that some people take for granted – are still unavailable in many parts of the developing world.” To eliminate extreme pover ty will require affordable access to energy. And to satisfy the world’s energy needs will require a true “all - of- t he - above” app r oach t o ene r gy generat i on, inc luding coal, gas, nuclear, hydropower and renewables. Using today’s advanced technologies to improve emissions, coal and all of these forms of energy development will play a significant role in ending global energy poverty. Here at home, energy plays a key role in economic development. Utah is well- known nationally as a business- friendly state, with our low burden of regulation and low cost of doing business. It is important to keep in mind that one of Utah’s advantages to attracting businesses, including manufacturing and high technology jobs, is our low cost of electricity. Simply put, cheap power lowers business costs and makes Utah more competitive. A diversified energy portfolio is a good thing, and we need to take advantage of all the tools in our toolbox. We simply need to ensure we do it in a way that the U.S., and Utah, can maintain our energy advantages and competitiveness. Any way you look at it, mining will continue to be a critical part of our energy future.  Mark Compton, President PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE We take for granted in this country that the lights will go on when we flip the switch, and our heating and cooling systems will keep us comfortable. But the fact is as many as half the world’s 7 billion people live without proper access to energy for basic human needs.