Does the Desert contain valuable mineral resources?
A. Yes. The wide range of minerals is reflected in the complex and sometimes violent geologic history of the CDCA. The CDCA is highly mineralized, and contains significant proven reserves currently being developed, and the potential for the mineral resources yet to be explored.Q. What are the known mineral resources? A. There are approximately 34 mineral commodities currently being developed in the California Desert. Annual production is valued at more than $1 billion, helping to keep California one of the Nation’s top mineral producing states. Some mineral deposits are rare and represent the major source for United States and world production. Deposits such as the borax deposit at Boron and the rare earth deposit at Mountain Pass represent nearly 100 percent of U.S. production of these important minerals. Important sodium and calcium minerals, as well as world class deposits of gypsum and specialty clay minerals are also being developed in the CDCA. Important gold production validates
