Utah ranked No. 3 nationally for minerals production

SALT LAKE CITY — On the same day a group of lawmakers was pressed about the need to increase "mineral literacy" in Utah, a new report showed the state now ranks No. 3 in the nation for the value of non-fuel minerals produced in 2009.

Overall, Utah's contribution was logged at 7 percent of the total value of the country's production, according to a report issued Wednesday by the Utah Geological Survey.

It is the first time, Utah geologists believe, that the state has been able to edge out rival California, which has historically come in third behind Arizona and Nevada because of its production of industrial minerals for the construction industry.

"Because of the recession, California fell from three to four, and we moved up to three," said Ken Krahulec, senior geologist with the Utah Geological Survey. "I would not be surprised if this was the first time ever. Historically, we are in the top 10, but I think four is as high as we have been before."

The ranking comes despite a recession-driven dip in 2008 peak prices, and the outlook predicts moderate increases because the price of metals is going up. Utah's gross value production from mineral and energy contributions nearly reached $7 billion last year, according to the report.

Despite that chunk of change, many Utahns know little about the value of natural resources extraction in the state, said John Baza, director of the state Division of Oil, Gas and Mining.

"I am somewhat amazed at how little people know about Utah's mineral development," he told lawmakers on the Natural Resources Interim Committee Wednesday.

He noted that his agency, by nature, is focused on the regulatory side of mining and other natural resources extraction, not necessarily public education outreach.

"Even so, that education is overshadowed by popularity of renewable fuels," Baza said. "People forget that we have an important legacy of traditional mineral resources in Utah that we use."

Amid the popular push to turn to wind, solar and other renewables, House committee chairman Roger Barrus, R-Centerville, told his colleagues that Utahns need to be tuned in to the vital role traditional energy development plays in Utah's economy.

"What seems to be left out in the education is the importance of fossil energy in the state," Barrus said.