Dec. 6 is National Miners Day, a day designated by Congress to honor the contributions and sacrifices of miners both past and present. It is appropriate that the country takes a moment to celebrate the incredible contributions that those who quarry stone, sand and gravel make on everyday life.
“The 100,000 men and women in the aggregates industry provide the foundations that build America and should be recognized for their dedication and hard work,” said Michael W. Johnson, president and CEO of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.
Specifically, he highlighted the central role that the stone, sand and gravel industry plays in the U.S. economy. “Anything built in this country of any significance began with a rock,” Johnson added.
House Education and Workforce Subcommittee Chairman Bradly Byrne (R-Ala.) recognized the industry in a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. He emphasized the continuing and successful effort to improve safety.
“While performing this critical function, workers in the aggregates sector have helped make workplaces the safest they have ever been,” Byrne said. “In fact, 2016 marked the 16th consecutive year in which that industry reduced its injury rate from the year-earlier level.”
“For as long as American industry has existed, Americans have benefitted from the energy, metals and minerals made available by miners,” stated the National Mining Association. “The mining industry drives our supply chain, fueling a third of our power grid and providing essential materials for manufacturing and infrastructure projects across the U.S. From airplanes and hybrid cars to national defense and medical technologies, minerals like beryllium, chromium, molybdenum, titanium, platinum, nickel, copper, kyanite and iron all make it possible.”