The estimated value of nonfuel mineral production for Idaho in 2001 was $346 million, a decrease of more than 3% from 2000.
Phosphate rock and construction sand and gravel, silver, portland cement, crushed stone, molybdenum concentrates, and lead were the leading minerals that year, when Idaho ranked 35th nationally. In 2001, Idaho was the only state to produce antimony ore; first of three garnet-producing states; 2nd in phosphate rock; 3rd in silver and lead; 4th in molybdenum and pumice;and 6th in feldspar and zinc. Of 12 gold-producing states, Idaho ranked 9th in 2001. In the same year, the state's production of sand and gravel for construction was 17.2 million metric tons valued at $55.5 million, and output of crushed stone was 4.8 million metric tons ($20.8 million).
Low commodity prices continued to depress Idaho's mining industry in 2001, especially the metals sector. Mining employment declined 16.6% from the previous year, to 2,022 persons. The famous Sunshine Mine, first mined in 1884, was closed down in February 2001. Idaho's Coeur d'Alene District is one of the world's major silver-mining regions.