Aggregate And Industrial Mining in OhioEach of us depends on Ohio’s mineral aggregate resources. Every American born today will need 3.6 million pounds of minerals, metal and fuels in his of her lifetime, including 1.7 million pounds of aggregates and industrial minerals mined in Ohio. Further,
aggregate mined here in Ohio is used to build our roadways, homes, schools and hospitals, among other uses.
“Aggregates and industrial minerals mined in Ohio include limestone and sand & gravel for roads, bridges, asphalt and concrete for roads, bridges and buildings, clay and shale for brick, block and pavers, gypsum for wallboards, industrial sand for drinking and wastewater treatment and salt for melting ice in
winter and softening our water at home,” said Patrick A. Jacomet, Executive Director of
Ohio Aggregates and Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA). “Agricultural lime, also from mining, allows farmers to enhance their soils, increase production and decrease
dependence on fertilizers and pesticides.”
The aggregate and industrial mining industry is vital to Ohio’s economy. Last year, Ohio’s miners produced over 137 million tons of industrial minerals valued at over $800 million. The industry makes a significant contribution to
Ohio economy, employing more than 5,400 people averaging over $40,000 in yearly salaries. Another 40,000 are employed indirectly in Ohio’s mineral industry as truck drivers, electricians, mechanics, engineers, office personal and other related professions. In fact, a recent study shows, that for every one dollar of output from
industry an additional $1.58 is generated in
national economy.
Quarries must operate in areas where quality deposits exist. Aggregates and industrial minerals are produced in 86 Ohio counties from approximately 730 mining operations statewide. Unlike other businesses, aggregate facilities can only operate where quality deposits exist. Access to quality aggregate resources is critical to
economic viability of
state of Ohio and is
key to a solid infrastructure and safe and efficient transportation system.
“OAIMA promotes awareness of
industry throughout
community,” explained Jacomet. “Our website, at www.oaima.org is an educational project in progress and hosts a Teacher’s Corner.”
Website visitors can click a red apple in
top right corner for PowerPoint presentations and other free resources.
“It is important to realize that our lives would be totally different were it not for
mineral resources that Ohio is blessed with,” continued Jacomet. “In fact, if you look around you will find that everything we use in our daily lives is directly or indirectly linked to mining. We have a saying, and that is, ‘If it can’t be grown, it has to be mined.’ From
buildings we live in to
schools we learn in to
roads we drive on, mineral resources form
cornerstone of
Ohio economy and
lifestyles of Ohio’s citizens.”