6 interesting facts about the American mining industry you didn’t know

The American mining industry places an important role in our lives as it impacts our daily lives from cell phones to utensils and the cars we drive. We rely on valuable metals, minerals, and resources that are recovered from mining the earth.

Today, there are hundreds, if not thousands of mines that are being excavated all over the world. Here are six interesting facts about the American mining industry you didn’t know.

  1. With the total amount of gold that was mined, nearly 65% is used in jewelry, 20% as coins and 15% in electronics. A standard television requires over 30 different minerals while cellphones need 40 minerals.
  2. The United States has the largest reserve of coal and the second biggest producer of gold and copper. The U.S. Export of Minerals accounts for nearly $6 billion a year.
  3. The average citizen uses 37 million pounds of metals, minerals, and fuel during a lifetime. This also includes 1.8 ounces of gold, 6 tons of aluminum, 1,000 pounds of lead and zinc. A newborn baby requires a lifetime of 1.3 million pounds of sand, stone, gravel and cement along with 33,000 pounds of iron, 1,500 pounds of copper, and 28,200 pounds of salt.
  4. Gold is the most easily material to mold of all metals as it is used to being drawn out without breakage. Just a single ounce can be stretched to nearly five miles long. The greatest gold rush in America started when gold was discovered in California in 1848.
  5. The investment in training, technology, and equipment has made America the safest mining industry in the world.
  6. The U.S. is today’s largest product of silica, salt, sulfur, phosphate, magnesium, and lithium.

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Image by: SNL

Image by: SNL

3 reasons why forklifts are so essential in industrial facilities

Forklifts are essential in industrial facilities due to its safety for workers and everyone around the area. Works can move materials safely without straining their backs that are caused by loading heavy objects.

Here are three reasons why forklifts are so essential in industrial facilities.

Forklifts Create a Safer Work Environment for Employees


Inspectors are always looking to see if employers are following the necessary precautions to protect their workers who work with forklifts and other heavy lifting devices. This also establishes a safe policy for pedestrian traffic as regularly comprehensive assessment is necessary for working environments that may be potentially dangerous for everyone in the area.

Employers are strongly required to consider the security of unattended vehicles, restriction in high-traffic routes, visibility of pedestrian and drivers, speed limits, and awareness training for workers.

Forklifts Boost Productivity


Forklifts may be small in size but are compacted to work in tight fitting spaces. They are capable of lifting heavy loads of over 5000 kg. Forklifts are highly maneuverable with its simple operation and maintenance. Proper training will increase the longevity of the forklift as understanding the proper methods of using a forklift will result in less equipment damage.

Forklifts Come in Various Types


Three types of forklifts are commonly used. Each serves a purpose as the electric forklift is used for indoor needs. They are operated on batteries and less costly to produce. Internal combustion forklifts are used outdoors as they are generated by gas and fuel. This type of forklift emits exhaust gas making it dangerous for indoor use. Manual type forklifts contain no motors and not nearly as versatile as the first two.

The use of forklifts allows companies the ability to maneuver and reduce the amount of time off work. Forklifts allow companies to transfer to high locations that are made effortlessly instead of hand.

The 5 step guide to stone paving installation

The success of any landscaping project is the choice of materials that will provide the desired look and usability. Here is the 5-step guide to stone paving installation.

Step 1: Prepare

Experiment with the project area by using graph paper. Determine the size and shape of the area and switch patterns to determine the style of your project. Once you have determined the shape and size of the project, you will then decide on some pavers you will need. You will need to estimate the footage space as well as add 5% or 10% if you have a border.

Step 2: Excavate

Decide on the finishing height of the pavement. Use any permanent structure as a reference for the project. Be sure to assess if the board is level as you continue regularly. Lay an adequate amount of crushed stone base along with sand and pavers. Once the site is excavated, add soil with a plate compactor to prepare the base surface.

Step 3: Lay Down the Base

Consider the type of soil and climate to determine the thickness of the base layer. Cold climates require solid bases while warm climates require a well-drained soil. Be sure to lay the base past the outline of the pavement so that it will extend past the restraints. Use a circular motion over the areas.

Step 4: Restrain and Set the Pavers

The restrictions have formed the base and pavers in place. Without it, the pavers will shift and cause the base to erode and dislocate. Restraints can pre-casted plastic or concrete, aluminum, or steel.

The sand is the last layer of the base that is used to interlock pavement use coarse sand rather than dust or limestone. Remove the pipes and fill in the groove with sand. Lay the pavers before you follow with screeding.

Step 5: Place the Pavers

Once the screeding is complete, layer the pavers in place. Use a guide for the pattern. Gently lay the pavers together in the desired pattern. Be sure to use whole pavers first before you use the cut pavers. After the pavers are set, use the plate compactor to vibrate as this will allow the pavers to set. Lastly, sweep the sand into the joints until all are full.

Follow these five easy steps to help you achieve an aesthetically pleasing stone paver. Be sure also to wear safety gear when in construction.