Mining industry proudly supports our veterans

750,000. That’s how many tons of minerals the U.S. Department of Defense uses each year in the technologies that protect our troops and our nation. Minerals—including copper, lead and nickel—are used in life-saving military gear and defense technologies that keep our troops safe, both at home and abroad.

Beryllium is a particularly important mineral for national defense. It is integral to surveillance technologies used in weaponry that detects and destroys improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and tactical minefields; in military helicopters; in armor for military vehicles; and, finally, in advanced communication technologies.

Today we will take the time to thank the men and women who have served our nation in the military. The mining industry is proud to support those who protect our country by producing the building blocks for the technologies and equipment that help protect them.