Economic Impact Analysis Released

Post date: Jul 21, 2014 9:23:15 PM

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The LaSalle County Mining Coalition and the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers contracted with the Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) at Northern Illinois University to complete an analysis of the economic impact of the LaSalle County mining industry. For the purposes of this analysis the mining industry was defined as the companies that mine and process construction aggregates (sand, gravel and crushed stone), industrial minerals (silica sand) and cement manufacturers, a primary consumer of aggregate materials produced in the area.

The mining industry has had a significant presence in the Illinois River Valley dating back to the mid-19th century converting the area’s abundant natural resources into products used by the construction, transportation, energy and manufacturing sectors throughout the region and beyond. It also supports the local economy by purchasing goods and services from other local businesses, while the spending by mining industry employees support jobs and wages in the housing, healthcare, personal services, and retail sectors.

The economic impacts of the mining industry were calculated using the IMPLAN input/output (I/O) model. Below is a summary of the economic impacts of the mining industry operations in 2013.