In 2005, a total of 263 metal mining operations reported employment to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Metal mines were the smallest mining commodity sector, comprising 1.8% of all mining operations. • Gold mines comprised 46.0% (n=121) of all metal mining operations. Other common types of metal mines were iron ore (n=32; 12.2%), copper ore (n=31; 11.8%), and lead and/or zinc ore (n=16; 6.1%). • Nevada had the largest number of metal mines (n=52; 19.8%), followed by Alaska (n=27; 10.3%).

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health