Aggregate And Industrial Mining in Ohio

Each of us depends on Ohios mineral aggregate resources. Every
American born today will absolutely 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, the aggregate mined here in Ohio is used to make our
roadways, homes, schools and hospitals, among other uses.

Aggregates and industrial minerals mined in Ohio add
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
the winter and softening our water at home, said Patrick A.
Jacomet, Executive Director of the Ohio Aggregates and Industrial
Minerals Association (OAIMA). Agricultural lime, also from
mining, allows farmers to enhance their soils, increase
production and decrease the dependence on fertilizers and
pesticides.

The aggregate and industrial mining industry is vital to Ohios
economy. Last year, Ohios miners produced over 137 million tons
of industrial minerals valued at over $800 million. The industry
makes a significant contribution to the Ohio economy, employing
more than 5,400 many people averaging over $40,000 in yearly salaries.
Another 40,000 are employed indirectly in Ohios 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 the industry an
additional $1.58 is generated in the 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 may only operate
where quality deposits exist. Access to quality aggregate
resources is critical to the economic viability of the state of
Ohio and is the key to a solid infrastructure and safe and
good transportation system.

OAIMA promotes awareness of the industry throughout the
community, explained Jacomet. Our web page , at www.oaima.org is
an educational project in progress and hosts a Teachers Corner.

Website visitors can click a red apple in the top right corner
for PowerPoint presentations and other free resources.

It is important to realize that our lives would be totally
different we are it not for the mineral resources that Ohio is
blessed with, continued Jacomet. In fact, if you look around
you will find that everything we make use of in our daily lives is
directly or indirectly linked to mining. We have a quote, and
that is, If it cant be grown, it has to be mined. From the
buildings we live in to the schools we learn in to the roads we
drive on, mineral resources form the cornerstone of the Ohio
economy and the lifestyles of Ohios citizens.

For more information and inclusion in the OAIMA mailing list,
contact OAIMA at 162 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230. Call:
(800) OH-ROCKS / (614) 428-7954; fax inquiries to: (614)
428-7919. Visit the Statehouse Museum Shop for an Educational
Ohio Mined Rock Set Gift, also available online at
www.statehouseshop.com

SIDEBAR:

FAST FACTS

Group members in OAIMA promote awareness of the industry
throughout the community. Neighborhood groups, school children,
media, and legislative representatives nearly people may
benefit from learning, If it cant be grown, it has to be
mined. So the group helps educate with facts like:

AGGREGATE QUICK FACTS
There are 95,000 Tons of Aggregate per 1-mile of 4-lane highway
There are 11-tons of Aggregate and Industrial Minerals for Each
Ohio Resident
The Average Home Requires 106 Tons of Aggregate
The Average School or Hospital Requires 15,000 Tons of
Aggregate

OHIOS CONSTRUCTION AGGREGATES
Natural aggregate 4th Nationally
Limestone 4th Nationally
Slag Top 4 (2nd in Steel Manufacturing)

OHIOS INDUSTRIAL MINERALS
Clay and Shale 5th Nationally
Sandstone and Industrial Sands 2nd Nationally
Salt 5th nationally
Cement Overall Ohio is 10th Nationally in Aggregate and
Mineral Production

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