Mining has been a part of the Earth’s history since prehistoric times. Mining has played a role throughout the millennia – from Neanderthals’ use of stone, to ancient Egyptians’, Greeks’, Romans’ and Incans’ more sophisticated mining processes and uses of mined materials. From the Industrial Age and the ability of mass production, societies’ progress has led to our modern times’ demand for bigger, faster, and stronger products. The future is limitless as humans reach into the expanse of the Universe!
What would our lives be like without mining? Imagine a world without transportation such as jet planes or railroads, without communications such as cell phones or radar, without decorative items such as art or jewelry, without buildings such as skyscrapers or parking garages, without defense systems items such as missiles or submarines, without medical care items such as X-rays or surgical tools. We wouldn’t have any of these things without mining and minerals.
“If it can’t be grown, it must be mined.” Natural resources are the foundation of our lives and lifestyles.