Minerals of New Mexico

Mines in New Mexico produce a number of different minerals that are incorporated into a myriad of products. New Mexico produces extractive energy resources, extractive non-fuel resources, and renewable and secondary energy sources.
Extractive Non-fuel Resources
Copper

• Copper is one of the most valuable industrial metals in the world.
• New Mexico is the third largest producer of copper in the United States.
• New Mexico copper is used chiefly in the manufacturing of electrical wire.
• Electrical uses of copper include power transmission and generation, building wiring, telecommunications, and electrical and electronic products.
• Freport-McMoRan Mining Company produces copper and base metals principally in Grant County in southwest New Mexico.

Molybdenum

• Molybdenum is a metallic element used principally as an alloying agent in steel and cast iron.
• When combining molybdenum with other metals including manganese, it enhances the hardening, strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance of metals.
• New Mexico has one molybdenum mine operated by Chevron Mining, Questa Mine in Taos County.
• China’s high level of steel production and consumption provides stable demand for New Mexico’s molybdenum.

Potash

• New Mexico ranks first in potash production in the United States.
• Potash is a mined mineral containing water-soluble potassium.
• Potash is mined from accent ocean deposits over 300 million years old.
• It is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer (plant nutrient).
• Modern agricultural practice uses potash and other nutrients to assure plant health and increased yields.

Aggregate

• Aggregate includes crushed stone, sand, and gravel.
• Aggregate is primarily used in construction materials like concrete and asphalt.

Additional mineral commodities in New Mexico and their uses:

• Clay – Adobe brick, brick, roofing granules, and quarry tile
• Gypsum – Wallboard in homes
• Humate – A soil conditioner
• Iron Ore – Steelmaking and to increase the strength of cement
• Limestone – Cement
• Mica – Joint compound, paint, roofing, drilling additives, and rubber products
• Perlite – Building construction products and horticultural aggregate
• Pumice – Building products
• Salt – Feedstock and highway de-icing
• Sulfuric Acid – Copper recovery and industrial processes
• Zeolite – Pet litter, animal feed, and horticultural applications

Extractive Energy Resources
Coal

• There are five coal mines that are active in New Mexico.
• All of the mines are located in northwest New Mexico.
• Coal is primarily used as an energy source.
• New Mexico produces over 25 million pounds of coal annually.

Uranium

• The Grants Uranium Belt in New Mexico has been the most prolific producer of uranium in the United States.
• New Mexico is second only to Wyoming in uranium reserves.