The New Mexico Minerals Connection Virginia T. McLemore New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources New Mexico Tech

Mining, recycling, and conservation are important to provide the continued flow of commodities required to continue our way of life.

U. S. flow of raw materials by weight The use of raw materials in the U. S. increased dramatically during the last 100 years (from Wagner, 2002).

Metals prices are increasing in response to the increasing world’s population.

Yet mineral production and exploration in the US has been decreasing, and imports increasing

Production of nonfuel mineral resources in New Mexico,

What are mineral deposits?

An occurrence of any valuable commodity or mineral that is of sufficient size and grade (concentration) that might under favorable economic conditions have potential for development

What are ore deposits? A mineral deposit that has been tested and found to be of sufficient size, grade, and accessibility to be extracted at a profit at a given time The size and grade of an ore deposit changes with time in response to market conditions

Mineral deposits are not found just anywhere in the world. Instead they are relatively rare and depend upon certain natural conditions to form.

NEW MEXICO MINING: WHERE ARE THE DEPOSITS?

New Mexico is at the edge of one of the world’s greatest metal-bearing provinces

Uranium deposits in the Grants district.

Active mines in New Mexico (excluding aggregates)

Active aggregate mines in New Mexico.

Stone House zeolite mine, Sierra County (18.3 million tons of reserves).

Metals districts with Significant deposits in New Mexico

Aging work force Fewer universities with mining-related departments, graduating less students

The Importance of Minerals in New Mexico Match the rocks and minerals to the proper name card Match the products to the proper name card Match the rocks and minerals to the proper product Match the rocks and minerals to the proper county in New Mexico where they are found