1. Copper: The state is one of the leading copper-producing states in the United States. Copper is mined in several areas, including the prominent Tyrone Mine, located near Silver City, and the Chino Mine in Santa Rita, producing large amounts of copper concentrates.
2. Coal: New Mexico has abundant coal reserves, particularly in the San Juan Basin in the northwest part of the state. Coal is mined for use in generating electricity at coal-fired power plants and is an essential energy resource in the region.
3. Uranium: New Mexico is a major producer of uranium in the United States. Uranium is mined in the Ambrosia Lake and Grants areas of the state, and New Mexico is home to several uranium mills that process and refine uranium ore.
4. Potash: Potash, also known as potassium salts, is mined in New Mexico. Potash is used extensively as a fertilizer in agriculture and is extracted from underground deposits found in the Carlsbad area of southeastern New Mexico.
5. Zinc: Zinc is another mineral mined in New Mexico. One significant area for zinc mining is in the Magdalena Mining District, located in Socorro County. Zinc, along with other base metals, is retrieved from underground mines.
6. Molybdenum: Molybdenum is mined in New Mexico, primarily from the Questa Mine in Taos County. Molybdenum is used in the production of various alloys and is an important mineral in the steel industry.
7. Gold and Silver: The state also has historical and ongoing mining of precious metals, including gold and silver. Gold and silver mining takes place in several locations, including in the Mogollon Mining District in the southwestern part of New Mexico.
8. Gypsum: Gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral, is mined in New Mexico for various industrial purposes, such as in the production of wallboard, plaster, and cement.
9. Perlite: Perlite, a natural volcanic glass, is mined in New Mexico for its unique properties and is used in diverse applications such as insulation, fillers, and soil amendments.
10. Peat: Peat, a plant-rich organic matter, is found and harvested in New Mexico for use as a soil amendment and as a fuel source.
It's worth noting that mineral exploration and mining activities in New Mexico are constantly evolving, and the state's mining industry continues to adapt to changing market conditions and technological advancements.
