The value of nonfuel mineral production in Nebraska in 2001 was estimated at $91.4 million, a decrease of about 9% from 2000.
All nonfuel minerals produced in Nebraska, with the exception of gemstones, were basic construction materials and production continued to reflect construction trends in the state. Most clay mining occurs in the southeast region, but sand and gravel mining takes place throughout the state. Industrial sand was used in the production of glass and had some applications outside of construction activities. According to preliminary figures, leading nonfuel minerals in 2001 were, in order of value, portland cement, crushed stone, and construction sand and gravel.
In 2001, 10.7 million metric tons of construction sand and gravel were mined, for a value of $36.3 million. That same year, 8.1 million metric tons of crushed stone and 133 metric tons of clay were mined, with values of $53.6 million and $340,000, respectively.