Description
Describes exploration, development and production activity of the gas and oil, coal, and mineral industries of the state in 2005. The report also includes information on the economic impact of these industries on the state. 57 pages. 69 figures. 14 tables. Digital PDF download. IS-73D
The Colorado mineral and energy industries enjoyed another year of spectacular growth; not only did production increase dramatically for most commodities, but prices for most mineral and petroleum commodities have increased sharply.
The estimated total value of 2005 mineral and mineral fuel production in Colorado is $11.872 billion — a 38 percent increase from the revised 2004 total value of $8.610 billion. The total estimated value of oil, natural gas, and carbon dioxide production in 2005 is $9.530 billion, which is up 39 percent from the 2004 value of $6.861 billion. The value of the 2005 Colorado coal production is estimated at $813 million — up two percent from the revised 2004 value of $796 million.
Non-fuel mineral production — including metals, industrial minerals, and construction materials – The USGS Mineral Information Office estimates the value of the 2005 production to be $1,521 million — a 60 percent increase from the revised 2004 value of $951 million. Dramatic price increases and increased production for molybdenum and continued high gold prices were a factor in the increase of non-fuel mineral value.
Uranium production value in 2005 increased 248 percent from $2.1 million in 2004 to $7.3 million in 2005. Uranium prices continued to rise in 2005; however, in spite of rising prices, all four producing uranium mines were shut down in November 2005.
