Mining is conducted worldwide, with various regions contributing unique resources. The industry encompasses a wide array of metals and minerals. Precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are used in jewelry, electronics, and as investment assets. Copper and zinc are base metals used in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Energy resources such as coal, uranium, and lithium are mined to generate electricity and are used to create electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The Scope of Global Mining

Different regions of the world are known for specific mining activities due to their unique geological formations. Let’s take a look at the top producers of 12 important minerals: coal, copper, gold, iron ore, lithium, molybdenum, phosphate, platinum, potash, silver, uranium, and zinc.

Coal storage yard in Ningbo City, China. Photo courtesy of iStock/Tao Wang.

Coal

Coal is a primary energy source worldwide for power generation and industrial processes. China dominates global coal production, extracting 3.8 billion metric tons annually. The country’s vast reserves and high demand for coal in electricity generation and steel production drive its leading position. India, which mines 803 million metric tons, and the U.S., which mines 538 million metric tons, are the second and third largest coal producers respectively.

View from above of the pit of an open-pit copper mine in Chile. Photo courtesy of iStock/tifonimages.

Copper

Copper is essential for electrical wiring, plumbing, and telecommunications due to its high conductivity and malleability. Chile leads the way in copper production, extracting 5 million metric tons per year. Producing 2.76 million metric tons, Peru is also a major supplier of copper benefitting from the rich mineral deposits in the Andes. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the third-largest producer of copper with 2.5 million metric tons annually.

Open cut gold mine located in Cobar, New South Wales, Australia. Photo courtesy of iStock/mikulas1.

Gold

Treasured for its aesthetic value, investment potential, and industrial uses, gold is another important mined commodity. China is the top gold-producing country, mining 370 metric tons. Not far behind are Australia and Russia, both producing 310 metric tons of gold. The rich reserves in Western Australia and the extensive mineral resources in Siberia and the Far East make these two countries key players in the global gold mining industry.

 
Aerial view of open-pit iron mine in Kayseri, Turkey. Photo courtesy of iStock/temizyurek.

Iron Ore

Iron ore is fundamental to steel manufacturing, which is essential for the construction, automotive, and machinery industries. Australia is the largest iron ore mining country. 932 million metric tons are produced there, primarily in Western Australia. Brazil is the second-largest producer with 410 million metric tons. China ranks third with 380 million metric tons, most of which is consumed domestically supporting infrastructure projects.

Aerial view of the lithium mine of Silver Peak, Nevada. Photo courtesy of iStock/simonkr.

Lithium

Critical for rechargeable batteries used in electronics and EVs, lithium has become an important resource. Australia alone produces 54% of the world’s lithium, 86,000 metric tons. Chile is the second largest lithium producer. The vast salt flats, particularly in the Atacama Desert, are vital to the country’s lithium output of 44,000 metric tons. Coming in third, China currently produces 33,000 metric tons of lithium, but the country is rapidly expanding output to meet growing demand.

An excavator and a front loader eat away at a mountain to extract copper and molybdenum minerals. Photo courtesy of iStock/Joesboy.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is used in steel alloys to enhance strength and resistance to corrosion. China’s extensive reserves are crucial for its steel production, and the country dominates the molybdenum market by mining 100,000 metric tons. Chile ranks second in molybdenum production producing 44,000 metric tons, often recovered as a by-product of copper mining. The U.S. mines almost 31,000 metric tons securing a spot as the third-largest molybdenum-producing country.

Phosphate mining on Christmas Island, Australian Territory. Photo courtesy of iStock/Mlenny.

Phosphate

Phosphate is a critical component of fertilizers. China, Morocco, and the U.S. are key players in the phosphate mining industry. Driven by the demands of its agricultural sector, China produces 85 million metric tons of phosphate. Morocco’s extensive phosphate rock deposits make the country a leading supplier providing 40 million metric tons. The U.S. mines 19 million metric tons mostly in Florida and North Carolina. 

Underground platinum mining tunnel. Photo courtesy of iStock/Sunshine Seeds.

Platinum

Vital for catalytic converters in vehicles, jewelry, and various industrial applications, platinum is mined worldwide and is 30 times rarer than gold. South Africa, home to the world’s largest platinum reserve, produces 120 metric tons of platinum, easily taking the lead over Russia and Zimbabwe which produce 23 metric tons and 15 metric tons respectively. 

Mining of potash in an underground mine. Photo courtesy of iStock/Ramil Nasibulin.

Potash

A source of potassium and essential for fertilizers, potash supports global agricultural production. As the leader in potash production, Canada has 10 active mines in Saskatchewan producing 24.6 million metric tons. Russia ranks second with 11.6 million metric tons and China comes in third with 7.6 million metric tons. 
Aerial view of an open pit silver mine in New South Wales, Australia. Photo courtesy of iStock/wallix.

Silver

Silver is used in electronics, jewelry, and as a financial asset. Mexico is the largest producer of silver in the world. The country’s extensive mining history and rich silver deposits support its production of 6,300 metric tons. To support its domestic industries, China produces 3,400 metric tons of silver. Peru trails behind with 3,100 metric tons.

Ranger Uranium mine in the Northern Territory, Australia. Photo courtesy of iStock/JohnCarnemolla.

Uranium

Uranium is essential for nuclear energy production. Leading the global market, Kazakhstan produces 22,000 metric tons to supply 43% of the world’s uranium. Australia and Namibia trail behind with 7,300 metric tons and 6,400 metric tons respectively.

   The open cut zinc mine at Broken Hill New South Wales, Australia. Photo courtesy of iStock/JohnCarnemolla.

Zinc 

Primarily used for galvanizing steel to prevent corrosion, zinc is an important resource with China, Peru, and Australia as the top producers. China’s zinc production of 4 million metric tons supports its vast construction and manufacturing industries. The rich Andean deposits make Peru the second largest zinc-producing country with 1.4 million metric tons. Australia has significant mines in Queensland and South Wales producing 1.3 million metric tons of zinc.

Dixon Mining Products

Whether it is underground, surface, placer, or in-situ mining, Dixon^® mining products can help with any challenge.

Air King®

Applications

• Recommended for use on air lines for virtually any type of pneumatic equipment

Features

• Universal head that is identical for all parts (hose ends, male NPT, and female NPT) within the ¼” to 1” range
• Ferrules can be swaged or crimped depending on coupling installation requirement

Specification

• Maximum working pressure: 150 PSI at ambient temperature 70°F (21°C)

Sure-Lock® Couplings

Applications

• Coupling for air only, commonly used in construction and mining; excels in services where ease, economy, safety, and speed are paramount

Features

• Pressure-activated gasket allows for easy coupling (less than 15 lbs. of force is required to connect the coupling gasket seal upon introduction of line pressure)
• Safety pin is supplied with each coupling and is required as a safety precaution

Materials

• Body: SG iron AS1831 400-250-12
• Bellows seal: natural rubber, other seal material available upon request

Specification

• Working pressure: 200 PSI at ambient temperature 70°F (21°C)

Econovalve Ball Valves

Application

• The Econovalve series of ball valves are solidly constructed and designed for rugged service such as the mining and construction industries. The unique one piece ball and stem provides positive on/off action with no slacks and no leaks

Materials

• Body: spheroidal graphite cast iron to ISO 1083-1987; 400-250-15 SGI
• Seals: nitrile butadiene
• Handle: pressed mild steel
• Ball and stem: spheroidal graphite cast iron to ISO 1083-1097; copper chrome plated to AS1992
• Bolts: hex, M10 x 1.5 x 90, grade 8, black
• Nuts: hex, M10 x 1.5, grade 8, zinc plated

Specification

• Working pressure: 300 PSI at 70°F (21°C) 

Ground Joint Air Hammer Couplings

Application

• Used with Boss^® clamps for construction, maintenance repair operations (MRO), mining, steel processing, transportation

Features

• Rounded steel head of stem fits concave inserts in spuds for superior sealing
• Metal-to-metal copper seat seal

Double Bolt Clamps

Applications

• Agriculture, irrigation, mining, water remediation, and water suction and discharge

Features

• Inner surface has dual gripping ridges
• Bolt lugs are reinforced to prevent bending out of alignment

Materials

• Investment cast carbon steel and plated iron

Boss^® Clamps

Applications

• Construction, maintenance repair operations (MRO), mining, steel processing, transportation

Features

• 2, 4, and 6-bolt type
• 2, 3, 4, or 6-gripping fingers

Materials

• Brass, global investment cast carbon steel, stainless steel, and zinc plated iron

Specification

• Recommended for steam service up to 450°F (232°C)

FloMAX Diesel Fuel Nozzle

Applications

• Designed for on-site refueling of construction, mining, forestry, and agricultural equipment

Features

• 1-1/2” female NPT
• Integrated high-flow swivel and sealing plug
• Plug/bumper assembly gives a complete nose seal

Materials

• Investment cast aluminum housing
• Anodized aluminum non-wear parts
• Stainless steel wear components

Specifications

• Ball-lock can flow over 180 GPM with a 1-1/2” hose and over 211 GPM with a 2” feed hose and a high-pressure nozzle shut-off
• Dog lock can flow up to 180 GPM with a 1-1/2” hose and over 211 GPM with a 2” feed hose and a high-pressure nozzle shut-off
• Working pressure: 125 PSI
• Standard shutoff set at 8.0 PSI

The products listed above are a small sampling of what Dixon supplies for the mining industry. For a complete list of products, check out the mining market page on our website.

Summary

The commodities mined in the U.S. and around the world are integral to the supply chain of numerous critical materials. The leading producers of these 12 minerals significantly influence the global economy, supporting industries ranging from energy and construction to electronics and agriculture.

At Dixon, we take pride in our ability to offer a wide array of high-quality products and services that are specifically tailored to meet the diverse needs of the mining industry. For more information or recommendations on your specific application, visit dixonvalve.com or call 877.963.4966.