Facts on Copper, Nickel and Precious-Metals Mining

• Minnesota is home to one of the world’s largest deposits of copper, nickel and precious metals.

• Copper—a critical metal needed for hybrid cars and wind turbines—is essential for a green economy.

• There is only one active nickel mine in the U.S., yet our country consumes 202,000 tons of nickel annually.

• Mining will provide more than $2 billion for the Minnesota Permanent School Trust Fund.

• Copper, nickel and precious-metals mining will create jobs for generations—possibly 100 years or more.

• Nonferrous refers to any mineral or natural material that does not contain iron. Nonferrous mining typically refers to critical and strategic metals, which include copper, nickel, cobalt, and precious metals, including platinum, palladium, gold and silver.

• A sulfide is any compound or mineral in which a metallic ion is bonded with sulphur ions. Sulfide deposits can contain copper, nickel and precious metals.