Natural Resource Industries of the Rocky Mountains

The Rockies' geology and ecology drive eight major industries:

1. Mining: Copper, gold, silver, molybdenum, lead, zinc—historic and ongoing.
2. Forestry: Timber, pulp, paper from vast coniferous forests.
3. Oil & Gas: Major basins (Denver, Powder River, Uinta) fuel production.
4. Tourism & Recreation: Skiing, hiking, parks, hunting—multi-billion dollar sector.
5. Hydropower: Dams on Colorado, Columbia, Missouri headwaters.
6. Agriculture/Ranching: Hay, grains, cattle/sheep in valleys and foothills.
7. Geothermal: Yellowstone hotspots, regional potential for power/heating.
8. Sustainable Resource Management: Balancing extraction with conservation (certified forestry, reclamation, wildlife corridors).

Responsible development is key to the region's future.