The vast majority of mining sites in Oregon are aggregate mines. Aggregate is the main ingredient in concrete and asphalt pavement and is used as a base on which roads and buildings are placed. Other important uses include gravel roads, dams, landscaping, drainage control, landfills, mortar, sanding icy roads, and railroad ballast.
In addition to sand and gravel and quarry rock, there is significant diatomaceous earth production, an industrial mineral with a variety of commercial uses. There are no active commercial metal or coal mines currently operating in the state.
Total annual aggregate production reported from January 2015 through the end of 2019 averaged approximately 37 million tons per year.
The land-use authority (most commonly the county) determines the eligibility for a parcel of land to be mined and the secondary beneficial use to which the land is returned upon completion of mining.
More information regarding surface mine permitting.