Nonfuel mineral production was valued at an estimated $1.62 billion in 2001 in Michigan, up 1% from 2000. The state ranked 6th nationally in value of nonfuel minerals produced during 2001, accounting for more than 4% of the national total. Michigan was first nationally in magnesium chloride produced and ranked 2nd in the production of peat, industrial sand and gravel, bromine, and iron ore (after Minnesota). It ranked 3rd in construction sand and gravel and potash; 4th in portland cement; and 7th in masonry cement. According to preliminary figures, in 2001, the production of 5.8 million metric tons of portland cement was worth $452 million. Over 77 million metric tons of construction sand and gravel were valued at $279 million. Crushed stone production, at 42.5 million metric tons, was worth $154 million.
Diamond, copper, and gold exploration have been conducted in the Upper Peninsula, and natural gas exploration in Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Otsego counties.