Use of raw materials in the United States from 1900 through 2010

Fact Sheet 2012-3140
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Abstract

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the types and quantities of raw materials used by U.S. manufacturers and consumers have changed over time. This fact sheet quantifies the amounts of those materials (other than food and fuel) that have been input into the U.S. economy annually for a period of 111 years, from 1900 through 2010. It provides a broad overview of all materials used but highlights the use and importance of raw nonfuel minerals in particular. This fact sheet supersedes U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2009–3008, which was published in April 2009 and covered the period 1900 through 2006. These data have been compiled to help the public and policymakers understand the flow of raw materials used in the United States in physical terms. Such information can be helpful in assessing the past and potential effects of the materials on the environment, evaluating the materials’ intensity of use, and examining the role that these materials play in the economy. It can also provide insight into what may happen to the materials at the end of their useful life.

Suggested Citation

Matos, G.R., 2012, Use of raw materials in the United States from 1900 through 2010: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2012-3140, 7 p., available only at https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2012/3140. (Supersedes Fact Sheet 2009–3008.)

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Use of raw materials in the United States from 1900 through 2010
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2012-3140
DOI 10.3133/fs20123140
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) National Minerals Information Center
Description Fact Sheet: 7 p.: Data Excel File
Public Comments Supersedes Fact Sheet 2009–3008
Time Range Start 1900-01-01
Time Range End 2010-12-31
Country United States
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details