Welcome to the World of Essential Minerals

Hello! And welcome to the inaugural blog post on EMA’s new website! This space will be our hub to talk about minerals, what makes them essential, and how they are used in our everyday lives.

In fact, this new website exists to keep you informed about the minerals we represent, the policies we advocate for, the latest technical insights into the industry, and the news we follow.

So why the name “Essential Minerals Association”? After having represented the mineral mining industry for decades, the membership decided the name “Industrial Minerals – North America” didn’t fit the mission and nature of the industry. Minerals are the building blocks of our economy and are used in energy production and storage, transportation, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, agriculture and ranching, ceramic and glass, and sports and recreation. In essence, they are essential to our daily lives.

The mining industry supplies the necessary minerals to make modern life work. Yet most people remain unaware of just how ubiquitous the use of mineral resources is in their own lives, down to the simplest pleasures. Probably the most common misconception about minerals is that we can do without them. To understand the changing world of minerals, look to the ones that power the devices around you. Every component involved in today’s technology originates from minerals. Advances in electronics are driving the recent explosion in mineral usage. More than 100 billion integrated circuits exist worldwide; a massive accomplishment that wouldn’t have happened without the use of many commonly used minerals. These minerals are also powering the green energy transition – solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles all require minerals!

Beyond technology, minerals can be found around our house. Drywall, floor tiles, paints, and other building materials require the use of minerals for production. The ceramics used in sanitaryware – toilets, sinks, bathtubs – all use ball clay and other minerals.

Our food systems require minerals, such as phosphate and potash, to grow crops. Bentonite and diatomite are used as filters in the beer and winemaking process. Other minerals are used as feed supplements.

We could go on and on about the uses of essential minerals – and we will in future blog posts. But for now, I hope you’ll explore our new website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to get updates and information from us. We look forward to connecting!