This appointment marks the first time a freshman has been selected to serve on this committee. Jim sees this opportunity as yet another avenue for his continued commitment to protecting America's interests abroad. Congressional Mining Caucus and Nevada's Mining Industry Gibbons, who holds a master's degree in mining geology, is also a strong advocate of the mining industry. Last year, he rejuvenated the Congressional Mining Caucus. Gibbons sees this caucus as an invaluable resource to educate his colleagues in the House on the mining industry's important role in sustaining economic growth and job creation in Nevada and in America.
Gibbons understands the important role played by the mining industry in our nation's economy.
Nearly 300,000 Americans are employed directly by the mining industry. Indirectly, mining accounts for about 3 million jobs. As one of Nevada's top industries, mining plays a major economic role in providing jobs and tax dollars. Americans nationwide benefit from the products derived from the mining industry. Every year, Americans consume 41,000 pounds of mining materials and 7,000 pounds of coal for items as routine as toothpaste, the heating and cooling of our homes, automobiles, computers, and graduation rings.