Pub. 4 2014 Issue 3

6 AT THE CENTER OF UTAH INDUSTRY T he mining industry is a vital component of the Utah econ- omy, and has been since the earliest days of settlement. The Utah Mining Association (UMA) celebrates our centennial in 2015, but the mining industry has existed in Utah far longer than that. In fact, President Abraham Lincoln once declared, “Utah will yet become the Treasure House of the Nation.” More than 150 years later, President Lincoln’s vision is a reality. Today’s safe and environmentally responsible mining industry continues to be the foundation of Utah’s economy. The industry employs thousands and pays among the highest wages in the state, about twice the statewide average. Utah ranks seventh in the nation in non- fuel mineral production, producing more than $4 billion in gross value annually. And more than half of all Utah exports are minerals. Mining also contributes to Utah’s economic development in other ways. Approximately 80% of the state’s elec- tricity is coal-generated, resulting in energy costs 30% lower than the na- tional average. Lower energy costs helps Utah businesses and families, and make Utah more competitive in at- tracting quality manufacturing and high technology jobs. I’m proud that for the last 100 years, UMA has been the voice of this foun- dational industry in the state. The first gathering of the Utah Chapter of the American Mining Congress (which later became known as the Utah Mining Asso- ciation) took place on Monday evening, April 5, 1915 at the Newhouse Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. At the meeting, R.C. Gemmel, general manager of the Utah Copper Company, was elected governor of the Utah Chapter. As recounted in an article in The Salt Lake Mining Review in 1915, in his acceptance speech Mr. Gemmel “emphasized his belief that the organi- zation would have great weight and an influence for good in the local mining field, and urged earnest cooperation by all who were interested in mining affairs and kindred industries, pledging himself to work for the best interests of the new chapter.” One hundred years later, the Utah Mining Association continues to ad- vocate for and advance the mineral resource and related industries in the state, and educates elected officials and the public on the importance of a strong Utah mining industry. We are fortunate that Utah is blessed with a rich mineral endowment. Mineral deposits are broadly distributed across Utah, and there are mining districts in 24 of our 29 counties. Only about one tenth of one percent of the state’s 54 million acres has been touched by mining activi- ties, yet Utah’s mines have produced an impressive variety of minerals. Of the hundreds of known econom- ic minerals, several have helped make Utah a major mineral producer on the national and world scale. Copper, coal, gold, silver, uranium, iron, lead, zinc, molybdenum, phosphate, salt, potash, beryllium, and gilsonite head the list. With economic viability these resources will add to the strength and wealth of the state for many years to come. As we look forward to the next 100 years and beyond, the Utah mining in- dustry strives to continue and enhance our role as the foundation of Utah’s econ- omy and to improve the quality of life and standard of living for all. X Mark Compton, President PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE