Each chapter of the 2012 edition of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries (MCS) includes information on events, trends, and issues for each mineral commodity as well as discussions and tabular presentations on domestic industry structure, Government programs, tariffs, 5-year salient statistics, and world production and resources. The MCS is the earliest comprehensive source of 2011 mineral production data for the world. More than 90 individual minerals and materials are covered by 2-page synopses.
For mineral commodities for which there is a Government stockpile, detailed information concerning the stockpile status is included in the two-page synopsis.
Abbreviations and units of measure, and definitions of selected terms used in the report, are in Appendix A and Appendix B, respectively. "Appendix C—Reserves and Resources" includes "Part A—Resource/Reserve Classification for Minerals" and "Part B—Sources of Reserves Data." A directory of USGS minerals information country specialists and their responsibilities is Appendix D.
The USGS continually strives to improve the value of its publications to users. Constructive comments and suggestions by readers of the MCS 2012 are welcomed.
