The U.S. mining industry provides essential raw materials like coal, metals, minerals, sand, and gravel to the nation’s manufacturing and construction industries, utilities and other businesses. In 2002, the mining industry spent $3.2 billion on energy, or 21% of the total cost of its supplies (not including labor). Given the large role mining industry plays in the U.S. economy and the energy intensity of the mining processes, tapping into the potential for energy savings across different mined commodities could yield significant impact.