The estimated value of nonfuel mineral production for Montana in 2001 rose to $503 million, a decrease of about 15% from 2000. Metallic minerals—copper, gold, iron ore, lead, molybdenum, platinum group metals, silver, and zinc—accounted for 67% of the state's total nonfuel mineral production value. Most metal mining—especially for gold, silver, and copper—occurs in the southwest region, in the vicinity of Helena and Butte. In 2001, Montana ranked 29th nationally in the value of nonfuel minerals, compared with its ranking of 18th in 1992.
Palladium was Montana's leading mineral by value in 2001, followed by gold, platinum, portland cement, and construction sand and gravel. Montana is the only state to produce primary platinum and palladium, and is 1st in the production of talc; 2nd in bentonite; 3rd in garnet; 5th in zinc and lead; and 6th in gold and silver. According to preliminary figures, production and value in 2001 included construction sand and gravel, 11 million metric tons ($45.6 million); palladium, 12,000 kg ($177 million); platinum, 3,600 kg ($52.8 million); and zinc, 24,000 metric tons ($23.8 million). Production of gold in 2000 was 9,310 kg ($83.8 million).