Ohio’s mineral resources produced more than $1.5 billion worth of geologic commodities in 2019, according to a newly released report from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The total value of all nonfuel industrial minerals exceeded $1 billion for the sixth straight year.
Compiled by the ODNR Division of Geological Survey, the 2019 Report on Ohio Mineral Industries: An Annual Summary of the State’s Economic Geology provides information regarding the production, value, and employment totals of Ohio’s various mineral industries. Some highlights include:
- Mineral industries produced resources worth $133 per Ohioan.
- Production for limestone and dolomite increased by 8.5%.
- Production for sand and gravel increased by 8.1%.
- Production decreased for coal, sandstone and conglomerate, and shale.
“The extractive industries remain an important catalyst to Ohio’s development by providing affordable energy and an abundant source of aggregate materials that help aid home construction as well as road improvements,” said Mike Angle, division chief and state geologist. “The fact that these commodities can be obtained in-state helps reduce the cost of transportation and distribution.”
A dedicated staff of inspectors, geologists, and support staff helps ODNR regulate the responsible extraction of Ohio’s natural resources, including oil and natural gas, limestone, sand and gravel, coal, salt, and more. Part of ODNR’s regulatory responsibility is to catalog annually Ohio’s extractive activities.
Published yearly, the Report on Ohio Mineral Industries offers basic information about individual mines and groups of mines, as well as detailed geologic information about coal and industrial minerals, along with extensive references. The report is a useful tool for researching mineral extraction activities throughout the state.
The report includes extensive appendices listing company information for each of the operators who reported industrial-mineral sales and/or production in 2019. An electronic version of the report and accompanying appendices are available for free download at geology.ohiodnr.gov.