The Answer:

When it comes to coal mining in the United States, Wyoming leads the way. The Cowboy State produced more than 336 million tons of coal in 1999. According to the Wyoming Mining Association, production has tripled since 1982.

Wyoming's coal reserves represent just over 14% of the country's total coal supply, placing it third on the list behind Montana and Illinois. Coal reserves are areas where coal exists and can be mined, as well as areas that contain coal but can't be mined due to technological limitations and exorbitant costs at this time.

When it comes to mining other minerals such as precious metals like gold and silver as well as industrial metals like barite, diatomite, gypsum, and lime, Nevada is the top producing state.

In fact, Nevada is the third largest gold producer in the world after South Africa and Australia. It accounts for more than three-quarters of U.S. gold production and more than 11% of world production.

Here are links to more information:

• Wyoming Mining Association
• Nevada Mining Association

—The Fact Monster