7 Facts About Mining That You Probably Didn’t Know

When you send a text, use your microwave, or log into your laptop, you’re benefiting from something we often overlook: Mining. From the materials in your phone to the electricity that powers your home, mining plays a crucial role in modern life. And most people aren’t even aware of it! They don’t realize how many parts of our daily routines are made possible by materials that come from deep within the earth.

Mining isn’t just about digging, it’s about progress. It fuels innovation, supports our economy, and plays a central role in advancing technologies that make life better, cleaner, and more connected. Without mining, none of the conveniences that we enjoy today would be possible.

Here are seven facts about the mining industry that you probably didn’t know.

1. Every American uses about 40,000 lbs of minerals each year.
From roads and smartphones to toothpaste and power lines, minerals support nearly every aspect of modern life. These materials come from mining operations across the country and the world, making the things we rely on possible.

2. The only way to obtain minerals is through mining.
Whether it’s copper, lithium, or rare earth elements, there are no synthetic alternatives. These essential materials must be extracted from the earth to be used in our homes, infrastructure, electronics, and transportation.

3. It takes 29 different kinds of minerals to deliver electricity to our homes and businesses.
Everything from copper wiring and steel transmission poles to aluminum conductors and insulation relies on a diverse mix of minerals. Without them, our grid simply wouldn’t function.

4. Cell phones, laptops, and batteries all need lithium, copper, and other critical minerals.
A single smartphone contains over 30 different elements. From the lithium in the battery to the copper in the wiring and the rare earths in the screen, mining makes mobile technology possible.

5. A typical electric car uses six times more minerals than a conventional car.
Electric vehicles depend heavily on lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and other minerals for their batteries, motors, and charging systems. As demand for EVs grows, so does the need for mining.

 6. All renewable energy technologies—solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower, and more—require minerals.
Even clean energy relies on traditional mining. For example, a single wind turbine can require up to 4.7 tons of copper. Solar panels depend on materials like silicon, silver, and aluminum—all mined from the earth.

7. Approximately 483,000 people in the U.S. work in mining—making all of this possible.
Behind the materials that power our lives are the people who extract, refine, and process them. The mining workforce is a vital part of our economy and future.

Why It Matters

Mining isn’t just an industrial activity—it’s the foundation of modern life. From the clean energy transition to national infrastructure, every major advancement depends on access to minerals. Understanding and supporting this industry means investing in a more connected, sustainable future.

At Ascendancy Recruiting, we care deeply about the mining industry and the people who keep it moving. That’s why we specialize in helping mining companies find the right talent to help them thrive. If you're looking for a recruiting partner who understands your needs, reach out to us here.

National Mining Association – Mining Statistics & Employment
https://nma.org/facts-figures/

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Mineral Commodity Summaries
https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024.pdf

Minerals Education Coalition – Importance of Mining
https://mineralseducationcoalition.org/mining-minerals-information/

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Critical Materials & Technology
https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/critical-materials