April 04, 2005

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Diana Barnum (614) 529-9459

 

Aggregate And Industrial Mining in Ohio

 

Each of us depends on Ohio’s mineral aggregate resources. Every

American born today will need 3.6 million pounds of minerals,

metal and fuels in his of her lifetime, including 1.7 million

pounds of aggregates and industrial minerals mined in Ohio. 

Further, the aggregate mined here in Ohio is used to build our

roadways, homes, schools and hospitals, among other uses.

 

“Aggregates and industrial minerals mined in Ohio include

limestone and sand & gravel for roads, bridges, asphalt and

concrete for roads, bridges and buildings, clay and shale for

brick, block and pavers, gypsum for wallboards, industrial sand

for drinking and wastewater treatment and salt for melting ice in

the winter and softening our water at home,” said Patrick A.

Jacomet, Executive Director of the Ohio Aggregates and Industrial

Minerals Association (OAIMA).  “Agricultural lime, also from

mining, allows farmers to enhance their soils, increase

production and decrease the dependence on fertilizers and

pesticides.”

 

The aggregate and industrial mining industry is vital to Ohio’s

economy.  Last year, Ohio’s miners produced over 137 million tons

of industrial minerals valued at over $800 million.  The industry

makes a significant contribution to the Ohio economy, employing

more than 5,400 people averaging over $40,000 in yearly salaries.

Another 40,000 are employed indirectly in Ohio’s mineral industry

as truck drivers, electricians, mechanics, engineers, office

personal and other related professions.  In fact, a recent study

shows, that for every one dollar of output from the industry an

additional $1.58 is generated in the national economy.

 

Quarries must operate in areas where quality deposits exist.

Aggregates and industrial minerals are produced in 86 Ohio

counties from approximately 730 mining operations statewide.

Unlike other businesses, aggregate facilities can only operate

where quality deposits exist.  Access to quality aggregate

resources is critical to the economic viability of the state of

Ohio and is the key to a solid infrastructure and safe and

efficient transportation system.

 

“OAIMA promotes awareness of the industry throughout the

community,” explained Jacomet. “Our website, at www.oaima.org is

an educational project in progress and hosts a Teacher’s Corner.”

 

Website visitors can click a red apple in the top right corner

for PowerPoint presentations and other free resources.

 

“It is important to realize that our lives would be totally

different were it not for the mineral resources that Ohio is

blessed with,” continued Jacomet. “In fact, if you look around

you will find that everything we use in our daily lives is

directly or indirectly linked to mining.  We have a saying, and

that is, ‘If it can’t be grown, it has to be mined.’  From the

buildings we live in to the schools we learn in to the roads we

drive on, mineral resources form the cornerstone of the Ohio

economy and the lifestyles of Ohio’s citizens.”

 

For more information and inclusion in the OAIMA mailing list,

contact OAIMA at 162 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230. Call:

(800) OH-ROCKS / (614) 428-7954; fax inquiries to: (614)

428-7919. Visit the Statehouse Museum Shop for an Educational

Ohio Mined Rock Set Gift, also available online at

www.statehouseshop.com

 

 

 

SIDEBAR:

 

  FAST FACTS

 

Group members in OAIMA promote awareness of the industry

throughout the community. Neighborhood groups, school children,

media, and legislative representatives – nearly everyone can

benefit from learning, “If it can’t be grown, it has to be

mined.” So the group helps educate with facts like:

 

AGGREGATE QUICK FACTS

·           There are 95,000 Tons of Aggregate per 1-mile of 4-lane highway

·           There are 11-tons of Aggregate and Industrial Minerals for Each

Ohio Resident

·           The Average Home Requires 106 Tons of Aggregate

·           The Average School or Hospital Requires 15,000 Tons of

Aggregate

 

OHIO’S CONSTRUCTION AGGREGATES

·           Natural aggregate – 4th Nationally

·           Limestone – 4th Nationally

·           Slag – Top 4 (2nd in Steel Manufacturing)

 

OHIO’S INDUSTRIAL MINERALS

·           Clay and Shale – 5th Nationally

·           Sandstone and Industrial Sands – 2nd Nationally

·           Salt – 5th nationally

·           Cement – Overall Ohio is 10th Nationally in Aggregate and

Mineral Production

 

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Media Notes:

 

1.         Patrick A. Jacomet, Executive Director of OAIMA is available

for interviews and speaking engagements. Contact him at:

 

Ohio Aggregates and Industrial Minerals Association

162 N. Hamilton Rd.

Gahanna, OH 43230

Call: (800) OH-ROCKS / (614) 428-7954

Fax: (614) 428-7919

http://www.oaima.org

rocks@oaima.org

 

2. Ohio Mined Rock Sets, great to use as promotional pieces, are

available upon request for media. Contract Patrick Jacomet (above

in #1) for sets. Photo and description online at Statehouse

Museum Shop: http://www.statehouseshop.com/browse.cfm/4,1353.html