Mining Provides For Future Generations

Individuals across the U.S. are speaking out in favor of mining because of its overall contributions to job growth and economic success. For Kirk D. Haldorson of Duluth, Minn., his father’s mining job provided financial security and success for his family for generations.

“Growing up in a mining town, I never really thought of mining as anything but a normal, regular industry; and quite possibly I took for granted that it would always be there…I think that, as a state [Minnesota], we have to support the efforts of mining these metals in a responsible nature that will support our future generations to be able to work, pay taxes, and raise their families in this wonderful state.”

Including Minnesota, the minerals mining industry has supported more than 1.2 million U.S. jobs and is projected to add between 11,000 and 13,000 jobs per year over the next 20 years. These mining jobs lead to job growth in related downstream industries, putting hundreds of thousands of people to work. In addition to job growth, metals and minerals mining boosts the economy. In fact, U.S mines produced $74.6 billion worth of raw materials in 2014. The technology, medical and automotive industries, as well as the U.S. military, depend on these materials to make the products we use every day.

In order to increase job growth and gain economic security, the U.S. must push for policies that streamline the mining permitting process, like the “American Mineral Security Act of 2015.” Policies like this will ultimately create high paying jobs and provide the essential materials needed to stimulate economic recovery, the manufacturing renaissance and future technological innovation.

To read more about Kirk Haldorson’s story, click here.