The US Geological Survey reported recently that the value of unprocessed non-fuel minerals dropped about US$14BN to $57BN in 2009. Likewise, the agency said that the value of processed/refined minerals dropped a whopping 25%. This news reflects recessionary effects (eg declines in housing and auto sectors) and an alarming and still pervasive nonchalance about the national painting itself into a corner by relying more and more on non domestic sources. The USGS release notes say: "Also over the past year, US dependence on foreign sources for minerals has increased, continuing a trend that has been evident for more than 30 years. The US relied on foreign sources to supply more than 50% of domestic consumption of 38 mineral commodities in 2009 and was 100% reliant on imports for 19 of those." The USGS has also just published its 2010 Minerals Yearbook.
