Outside of the Diltz Mine in the Sherlock Mining District in Mariposa County
Sierra Sun Times file photo
June 17, 2018 - The California Geological Survey provides an annual summary of the state’s mineral production exclusive of oil, gas, geothermal, and coal. In 2016, California ranked fourth among the states in non-fuel mineral production, accounting for approximately 4.5 % of the United States total. There were 663 active mines in the state producing non-fuel minerals during 2016. The total market value of production was $3.4 billion. In terms of value, the top five non-fuel minerals produced in 2016 were construction sand and gravel, portland cement, boron minerals, crushed stone, and soda ash.
Download the report, 'California Non-Fuel Minerals 2016'
Follow this link to learn more about California’s Non-Fuel Mineral Production
METALS
Gold dominated California’s metal production in 2016 – comprising over 98 percent of the value of the state’s metals production. Gold production decreased to 138,015 troy ounces in 2016, from a 2015 production of 160,768 troy ounces. The value of gold production in the state also decreased from $187.4 million in 2015 to $172.8 million in 2016.
The state’s largest gold producer was the New Gold Inc., Mesquite Mine in Imperial County – approximately 113,844 troy ounces for the year.
Golden Queen Mining Company, Ltd. completed construction of its Soledad Mountain project located approximately five miles south of Mojave in Kern County. The open pit mine uses cyanide heap leach and Merrill-Crowe processes to recover gold and silver. Commercial production was declared in December 2016. Gold production for 2016 was 19,030 troy ounces.
In May 2016, DV Natural Resources, LLC purchased the Briggs Mine in Inyo County. Atna Resources, Ltd., the previous operator, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2015. There was no reported production in 2016.
In addition to the above-mentioned lode mines, placer gold was produced as a by-product from many sand and gravel mines in the northern and central parts of the state. California also has several small lode mines that sporadically produce gold, including specimen gold and gold in quartz for use in jewelry.
Silver is produced as a byproduct of gold production and makes up less than two percent of California’s total metal production by value. Silver production increased in 2016 compared to revised 2015 quantities due primarily to production at Soledad Mountain.
A small amount of iron ore was produced in 2016. Much of the iron ore currently produced in California is used in the production of portland cement. It is considered an industrial mineral.
Source California Geological Survey
