Pub. 8 2018 Issue 3

8 AT THE CENTER OF UTAH INDUSTRY PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE continued from page 7 largest mineral wealth in the world. Our mineral dependency is at a record high, more than double what is was 20 years ago. Today, less than half of the mineral needs of U.S. manufacturing are met from domestically mined resources. 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. It is more important than ever for the U.S. to responsibly utilize our own mineral and energy resources. In fact, it is a national imperative. But to really become a national priority, as a society we all need to make the connection between mining and our quality of life. We assume the things we need and want will always be there. We take for granted that the lights will go on when we flip the switch, and our heating and cooling systems will keep us comfortable. But the bottom line is, without mining to provide the foundational minerals and metals for the things we use every day, our society would be much different. Like food and water, energy and minerals are essential. 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 activities, yet Utah’s mines have produced an impressive variety of minerals. Of the hundreds of known economic 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. Today’s safe and environmentally responsible mining industry is vital to the State of Utah, our economy and quality of life. It always has been and always will be. Mining is woven into the fabric of our society and our daily lives. We are all connected to the mining industry, and we all have a vested interest in making sure the industry thrives. President Abraham Lincoln once declared, “Utah will yet become the Treasure House of the Nation.” More than a century and a half later, President Lincoln’s vision is a reality and we are all better off for it. Thank you for the opportunity to represent the Utah mining industry and the great people associated with it. As I write this, we are in the midst of the holiday season. As you celebrate the holidays and the New Year in the comfort and security of your homes, take a moment to be thankful there are men and women out there making our lifestyle and standard of living possible. Be thankful there are miners. X It is more important than ever for the U.S. to responsibly utilize our own mineral and energy resources. In fact, it is a national imperative. But to really become a national priority, as a society we all need to make the connection between mining and our quality of life.