According to data compiled by the US Geological Survey, California was the leading state in the nation in the value of nonfuel minerals produced during 2001, accounting for more than 8% of the US total. The value of the nonfuel mineral commodities produced in the state during the year was estimated to be $3.25 billion, a decrease of less than 1% from 2000. Industrial minerals accounted for 95% of the nonfuel mineral production value, with the rest supplied by gold and silver. California remained the only state to produce boron minerals (1.1 million metric tons, valued at $557 million) and led the nation in production of construction sand and gravel (148 million metric tons, valued at $953 million), accounting for over 13% of all US production and more than 17% of total US value. Construction sand and gravel was also California's leading nonfuel mineral, accounting for more than 29% of the state nonfuel mineral production value. Cement (portland and masonry) was the 2nd-leading nonfuel mineral (10.8 million metric tons, worth $818 million), followed by boron minerals and crushed stone. Together these four exercised the most influence on California's nonfuel mineral industry.
California retained 1st place in production of construction sand and gravel and diatomite and rose to 1st place in masonry cement; it was 2nd among the three states that produced soda ash, and in production of pumice, pumicite, pyrophyllite, and feldspar; 3rd in gemstones; 4th in fire clays; and 5th in magnesium compounds and perlite.
More than 20 industrial minerals are produced in California. Portland cement was the most valuable commodity produced, followed in order by construction sand and gravel, boron, gold, and crushed stone (61 million metric tons, worth $393 million). Gold accounts for more than 95% of metal production value; in 2001, the state produced 15,200 kg, valued at $137 million.
In 2001 California had about 1,000 mines actively producing nonfuel minerals, which employed about 9,300 people. At the beginning of 2002 the Division of Mines and Geology was renamed the California Geological Survey (CGS). The CGS grants mining permits. Among the programs it oversees are Mineral Resources and Mineral Hazards Mapping, Seismic Hazards Mapping, and Timber Harvest Enforcement and Watershed Restoration. Siting and permitting of mining operations throughout California often generate local controversies. The leading issues involve intense land use competition and wide-ranging environmental concerns, along with the typical noise, dust, and truck-traffic issues in populated areas.