Pub. 6 2016 Issue 2

7 MINING FOCUS Mark Compton, President PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE T he Utah Mining Association (UMA) takes our mission seriously to further the understanding of the critical role the mining industry plays in advancing modern society. Following some recent market research to better understand the public’s perception of the mining indus - try, it is apparent we have much more work to do. The good news is most Utahns have a favorable view of the mining industry, and are aware that it is an important industry in this state. Furthermore, many are at least aware of a few of the major products mined in Utah, like copper and coal. Unfortunately, there seems to be very little knowledge of the breadth and diversity of the Utah mining industry, as survey participants were less familiar with minerals such as beryl - lium, Gilsonite, lime, phosphate or potash. Even more importantly, many are unaware of how our mined products are used. For example, most survey respondents were aware we mine coal in Utah, but they were unaware that coal is used to generate the vast majority of our electricity. We therefore have an opportunity to educate the public not just on what products are mined in our great state, but how those materials impact our lifestyle and standard of living every day. There is an old saying that if it isn’t grown, it has to be mined. But the truth is, sometimes we even need mined materials to help what is grown, such as phosphate and potash for fertil - izers. The bottom line is, whether we think about it or not, we are all connected to mining in a very real way. It is our mission at UMA to get people to think about it. Demand for minerals in our advanced society is increasing every day. Minerals are critical to developing the innovative technologies that will propel our economy, enable America to compete globally and improve our quality of life. They are the building blocks for the manufacturing, construction and automotive industries, and are essential to growth in fields such as advanced energy and healthcare. We take it for granted that the things we need and want will always be there. But without mining to provide the founda - tional minerals and metals for the things we use every day, our society would be much different. 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 nonfuel mineral production, producing more than $4 billion in gross value annually. And more than half of all Utah exports are minerals. We are fortunate that Utah is blessed with a rich mineral en - dowment. Mineral deposits are broadly distributed across Utah, and while only about one tenth of one percent of the state’s 54 million acres has been touched by mining activi - ties, Utah’s mines have produced an impressive variety of minerals. With economic viability, these resources will add to the strength and wealth of the state for many years to come. Obviously, it is important that Utahns understand the economic significance of the mining industry to our state, but it is even more important that they understand how mining impacts their individual lives on a daily basis. UMA is implementing a proactive education and communi - cations plan to do just that, and we could use your help. To enhance our efforts, we have started an Education Patron Program to raise funds for our important public education programs. Contact us to find out more about becoming an Education Patron and sharing this program with your col - leagues and friends. With your help, the Utah Mining Association will be able to more effectively engage the public to help them gain a better appreciation of mining in Utah and how the industry is mak - ing their lives better every single day. X The industry employs thousands and pays among the highest wages in the state, about twice the statewide average.