October 6 - 12, 2019: Mineral Week

WHEREAS, minerals are an integral part of Michigan's history and vital to its future, and, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 3,500 people directly employed by the Michigan mining industry; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan was the leading state for the production of magnesium compounds, ranked second in the production of iron ore (shipped), and ranked third in the production of Potash; and,

WHEREAS, the area around Detroit has underground room-and-pillar mines that produce coarse rock salt for deicing purposes, and Gypsum is mined in underground room-and-pillar mines near Grand Rapids and in open pit mines in the vicinity of the town of Alabaster near Lake Huron; and,

WHEREAS, more than 1,000 Michigan businesses rely on the mining industry; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan mining industry is actively engaged in Michigan communities through educational programs such as scholarships, mineral workshops for teachers, classroom presentations, career fairs, and many other earth science programs, including the 75^th Anniversary Greater Detroit Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show; and,

WHEREAS, the state of Michigan calls upon the news media, educators, and state officials to recognize and bring attention to Mineral Industry Week, as an opportunity for Michiganders to learn more about the history of mining and the important role it plays in the development of the culture and economy of its people;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 6-12, 2019, as Mineral Week in Michigan.