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Fun Facts About The Paper Industry

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Although we live in a digital world, paper is still favored by many for notes, lists, documentation, and communication. With 300 million tons of paper produced worldwide every year, it is safe to say that our love affair with paper is not going away.

Here are some fun facts regarding our love of paper

  1. The United States is a big fan of paper. As technology advances, so does our use of paper. In the last 20 years, our consumption has increased by 126%, from 92 million tons to 208 million tons!
  2. I know many office managers will not want to hear this, but close to 50% of the paper printed in offices ends up in the trash can (or recycling bin) by the end of the day.
  3. A typical person in the U.S. will use more than 700 pounds of paper every year!
  4. It takes around 70 million trees annually to produce paper and paper products for U.S. consumption.
  5. We utilize 65,395,000,000 sheets of paper each day. That equates to about 815,000 pine trees a day!
  6. It is believed that Cai Lun, The Han dynasty Chinese court official (c. 50-121 CE), invented a method of papermaking that was inspired by wasps and bees in AD 105. 

Other quick paper facts

  1. According to the Federal Reserve, the 2021 currency operating budget is $1,095.8 million.
  2. It costs 11.2 cents to manufacture a $20 note and 10.8 cents for a $10 and $5 note.
  3. Americans spent approximately 12 billion dollars in 2017 – just on paper towels!

Recruiting in the paper industry is one of our specialties

So, what fact surprised you the most? What is not surprising is that people love their paper!

JSG knows the paper industry! We have an extensive background recruiting professionals in the pulp and paper industry. If you are a company looking to hire or a candidate ready to make their next move, contact me today!

The People of Mining: Heart & Soul

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Three years ago, my life changed when I became a recruiter in the mining industry.

Ironically, I grew up and lived a good portion of my life in the San Francisco Bay Area, the heart of Silicon Valley; the high-tech capital of the world. Large corporate names, some still present and some now gone, got their start there and changed the world with new technology and must-have gadgets. The vast orchards and farms that once carpeted San Jose, San Francisco, and the surrounding cities have long since been replaced by corporate headquarters and homes, for as far as the eye can see.

So, what does this trip down memory lane have to do with Mining and why is it ironic, you ask? The technology invented by some of Silicon Valley’s greats, would not be a reality without the hard-working men and women who mine the materials used to make the products containing the technology. The irony is mine; two worlds, polar opposites, but intricately intertwined. I have come full circle and landed where I am supposed to be. So, what I have learned?

  • The people of mining have heart and soul
  • Family comes first
  • Integrity is everything
  • They are the hardest working people I have ever met
  • They are adventuresome and willing to do what it takes, to provide for their families
  • Their importance in our lives is underappreciated
  • Humble
  • Gracious
  • Kind

Eldred Johnson, Grandfather of JSG Account Executive Jeremy Johnson, at his family’s tungsten mine in Rye Valley, Idaho following a blast (circa 1970/1980)

I am thankful that my life path has led me here.  It wasn’t an easy journey, but I feel like I am finally home. I appreciate everyone I speak with and thank them for sharing the stories of their lives with me. I thank you for trusting me and most importantly, for allowing me to be a part of an extended family that has changed and enriched my life.

12 Little-Known Facts About The Historic “Mine In The Sky”

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Mining has a solid history here in the U.S. and with the progression of time and technology, the landscape of mining has changed.  The Pine Creek Mine, known as “The Mine in The Sky” and located in the Sierra Nevada, west of Bishop, California, is a mine from the past that is now closed, but which has almost a century of history behind it.  I will leave some links at the bottom of the page, that you can go to for more in-depth information, including pictures on this mine steeped rich in history; in the meantime, here are some interesting facts:

  • The site was originally discovered in 1895 and was prospected for its gold and silver content, but didn’t perform well and went dormant until a claim was filed in 1916 by two partners, Billie Vaughn and Arch Beauregard, who found outcrops containing Scheelite and Molybdenum in 1918.
  • Machinery was hauled in by mules over harsh pack trail to the mine and the mill went into operation in December of 1918 but closed two months later due to plummeting Tungsten prices.
  • The Pine Creek mine was bought by The Natural Soda Products Company in 1922 who later changed their name to the Tungsten Products Company.
  • The mine and mill went idle again in 1928 due to the 1927 Watterson Bank failure.
  • The Pine Creek Mine went dormant and didn’t see action again until the US Vanadium Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation), acquired the property in 1936.  They successfully developed the mine into a world-class producer of tungsten.
  • In 1942, The Pine Creek Mine was the largest producer of tungsten in the United States.
  • Operated by Union Carbide, the mine produced 162,000,000 tons of ore and 8,350,000 20-pound “units’ of tungsten oxide between 1940 and 1990 valuing over $400,000,000.
  • The Pine Creek Mine was a major contributor to the local economy and supported generations of families who worked there.
  • The Mine shut down in 1990 and during the ’90s the hazardous material was removed.
  • In 2001, in an effort to reinvent itself, Pine Creek Mine, LLC proposed Pine Creek Mine Hydroelectric Project No. 12532 (Pine Creek Project), which would generate power from the water that accumulates inside the mine. After years of fighting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for permit extensions, the final ruling denying a rehearing for the third request of preliminary permit extension was handed down in 2014.
  • In its final ruling the Commission stated: “For the above reasons, we deny Pine Creek’s request for rehearing. We note, however, that holding a preliminary permit is not a prerequisite to pursuing a development application so that Pine Creek remains free to pursue the development of the Pine Creek Mine Hydroelectric Project and to file a license application.”
  • On February 12, 2016, Pine Creek, LLC. Successfully filed an application, which was accepted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for their Hydroelectric Project.

Many mines shut down, their hazardous materials removed, and their buildings demolished. Few mines withstand the ability to reinvent themselves and only time will tell if The Pine Creek Mine will successfully become a hydroelectric producer, giving the town of Bishop, California another 100 years of rich history and economic support.

Sources:

https://archive.org/details/cainecm_000029

http://www.rockcreeklake.com/board/index.php?topic=55.0

http://articles.latimes.com/2000/aug/27/local/me-11113

http://www.ripleysghosttowns.com/pinecreekmine.html

10 Interesting Facts About Silver

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Silver was discovered in 5,000BC and has been overshadowed by Gold since its’ discovery. While there are dedicated miners to silver, most is produced as a byproduct of gold, copper, lead, and zinc mining. And it’s not uncommon for many mines to use the byproduct to pay for operating costs. Silver is used significantly in heavy industrial applications and doesn’t get much love compared to other metals.

Here are some interesting facts you should know about silver:

  • The chemical element for Silver is AG
  • Silver has a melting point of 1,763°F (961.78°C) and a boiling point of 3,924°F (2,162°C)
  • In 1913, Silver traded for $2.64/oz. In January of 1980, adjusted for inflation, silver traded at $114.27/oz. And in April 2011, it traded for $54.54/oz. Today, September 19, 2018, it is trading for $14.24. Per the US Debt clock, silver should be trading at $599/oz!
  • According to silver expert Ted Butler, JP Morgan owns 700 Million ounces of physical silver!
  • There is less silver above ground than gold.
  • Silver is one of the most reflective metals in the world.
  • Mexico is the largest producer of silver in the world.
  • Silver has natural antibacterial properties and the saying, “born with a silver spoon” came from wealthy families who would feed their young children with silver spoons for the germ-killing properties.
  • Unlike gold, silver is typically not recycled. Much of the mined resource used in TVs, electronics, etc., is buried in landfills.
  • Silver is slightly harder than gold.

It amazes me how little love silver gets! This incredible metal is so vital to our lives and yet receives very little respect. Silver has an interesting future; the high demand due to our technology consumption and the low physical inventory makes it incredibly important to our lives. I predict that this underdog will have its’ day and command the respect it deserves.

Are you looking to take the next step in your mining career or to hire your next crew member? Contact me today and let’s have a conversation about how I can help!

What Would Happen If The World Stopped Mining?

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No matter what side of the fence you are on, one must agree that mining is a necessity in our modern world. Without it, we would not be capable of new technologies that allow us to advance; nor would we be able to maintain our current standard of living. So, what would happen if the world suddenly stopped mining tomorrow?

  • Automobiles, both gas and electric would disappear.
  • 27 States would lose 25% of their electricity output.
  • No nails to hammer projects home.
  • No more high rises, bridges, airplanes, trains, or space exploration.
  • Granite, marble, and anything steel in homes would be gone. Formica would make a huge comeback! Oops… it uses a white crystalline compound (borax). No Formica, either!
  • Anything plastic; molded or otherwise.
  • Nuclear energy?
  • Renewables? Well, that can’t happen without mining!
  • Like that Fitbit?
  • No more Televisions.
  • No more smartphones – or phones – period.
  • Computers, unfortunately, also gone
  • Not my Alexa??!!!??
  • No more going to the gym… phew! (at least one good thing would come of it)
  • Some medicines would disappear, and the medical advancements over hundreds of years would disappear. Need a knee replacement? Pacemaker? Dialysis? Surgery? Sorry.
  • Gold and Silver used in pretty much all technology out there – poof! A historical form of money throughout millennium – gone.

The World Cannot Do Away With Mining

We are too far advanced and too accustomed to our lifestyles for that to happen. The recruiting team here at JSG is privileged to work with some of the best clients and candidates out there. These companies and men and women of mining are responsible for the comfort in your life and the advancements in our technology. Instead of complaining about how destructive mining is; think about how deconstructed your world would be.

Please reach out to me and let’s talk! I love to hear personal stories and mining history from the mining family out there!

10 Interesting Mining Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

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It’s no secret that mining is important to our economy, but I don’t think most people realize how vital and integrated the mining industry is in our everyday lives! Explore these mining facts to learn just how much mining affects your daily routine. For instance, did you know…

1. Every American uses an average of 40,000 pounds of new minerals each year.

2. A newborn baby will need during its lifetime:

  • 800 pounds of lead
  • 750 pounds of zinc
  • 1500 pounds of aluminum
  • 32,700 pounds of iron
  • 26,550 pounds of clay
  • 28,213 pounds of salt
  • 1,238,101 pounds of stone, sand, gravel, and cement

3. Because of wood shortages in the 1600s, Brewers in England started drying their Malts with heat generated by coal.  Unfortunately, coal-flavored beer was not a hit.  After more experimentation, the brewers found that the undesirable gases could be eliminated by heating the coal in an airtight oven. Thus, the discovery of the coke-making process, so vital to iron and steel! The next time you have a cold one, give a toast to the Brewers of the 1600s!

4. Copper and Gold were the first two metals discovered by man, with Copper dating back to 8,700 BC, per Wikipedia.  Slag found on islands in the Aegean Sea suggests that man was separating silver from lead as early as 3000 B.C.!

5. In ancient times, an ounce of salt was traded for an ounce of gold! Fast forward to the present day: Can you imagine $1,200/oz. for salt?

6. Out of all the elements, Silver is the best conductor and thus the reason it is used so heavily in technology.

7. Silver is also a superior anti-bacterial. Small concentrations kill bacteria by chemically breaking down their cell membranes. Bacteria does not develop a resistance to silver!

8. Zinc is the fourth most widely consumed metal after iron, aluminum, and copper and is also vital to the human body for proper function and health. Zinc is needed for the body’s enzymes and immune system.   (Zinc tablets to ward off colds!)

9. Indium is a byproduct of zinc production and is also used in high technology applications from LCD screens to solar panels.

10. Wyoming is the nation’s top coal-producing state.  Who knew?

Being on the Mining Team at JSG, I have had the pleasure of speaking with the men and women in the industry and wish to extend a big “Thank you”, for all the hard work you do in keeping us in the lifestyles we are accustomed to!

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mining career or hire your next crew member, contact me today!

Sources

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/education/teachers/activities/soudan_mine/miningfacts.html
http://geology.com/usgs/uses-of-zinc/
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/10-elements-crucial-to-modern-life-that-youve-probably
http://igentry.blogspot.com/2008/07/interesting-facts-about-silver.html

The 5 Most Precious Metals On Earth

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Metals play a key role in our day-to-day lives. We all know about Gold and Platinum, but do you recognize these other precious metals and can you identify their uses?

Rhodium

Rhodium is one of the metals you will find listed on Market Spot Price, right up there with Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium. It is a member of the Platinum group and is resistant to corrosion. This metal is used as a catalyst in the chemical industry and used to coat optical fibers, optical mirrors, and headlight reflectors.

Platinum

This identifiable metal held the throne in commodity pricing for decades until it was overtaken by Gold. This precious metal is used in jewelry and many industrial applications, including fuel cells, dental work, electronic components, medical, glass, and petroleum.

Gold

The reigning metal; this one needs no introduction. Collected and traded as a commodity, used in jewelry, industrial applications, and dental applications. Its conductivity component is key to the electronics industry.

Ruthenium

This metal is less known and is a member of the platinum family of precious metals. It is popular for its ability to increase hardness and resistance when added as an alloy to palladium and platinum. Ruthenium is also used in the medical and chemical industries.

Iridium

Another member of the Platinum family and the most extreme, this metal has a very high melting point and is the most corrosion-resistant metal. Iridium is a by-product of nickel mining and is also processed from Platinum ore. Although it has many uses, it is primarily used as a hardening agent in platinum alloy.

We rely so heavily on metals. They have provided us the ability to create new technologies, are used in radiotherapy treatment of some eye tumors, and can create radiation shields. They permeate our lives.

It is only because of the mining industry that we have the precious metals and advancements we do. Granted, the mining industry may not have created the new technologies on paper, but without the hard work and sacrifices of the miners and mining community, the technology would not come to fruition. Miners rule!

Are you looking for the next step in your mining career or to hire your next crew member? Connect with me and contact me today and let’s start a conversation about how I can help.

What the Future of Coal Means for the Future of Industry Jobs

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What the Future of Coal Means for the Future of Industry Jobs, Johnson Search Group, people, hire, inspire, reach, coal, mining, administration, industrial, jobs, job market

Coal has been around forever. It can be traced as far back as the cavemen – who used it for various reasons. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, coal use has skyrocketed in modern civilization, and since 1970, coal production has increased by more than 70 percent.

We hear it in the news all the time. Coal is becoming a huge topic as environmental activists exploit coal’s negative impact on the earth. Typically, each side of the political spectrum falls on either a pro-coal axis or an anti-coal axis, and each create policies to appeal to their side.

With today’s political spectrum, it seems as if jobs in coal should increase. However, there is major opposition to an expansion of coal, and subsequently its jobs. With everything happening in the political world, let’s see what the future of coal has on industry jobs.

There are coal jobs on the horizon, and the current administration wants to grab them and reel them in. After all, the previous administration did cut industry jobs by about 36,000, which came as a huge shock to many. As first reported by CNN, there were 400 jobs created in coal in the month of May. This may not seem like a whole bunch, but after thousands of jobs were cut, any amount of creation is received with open arms. There have been promises for months about new jobs in coal, and it seems as if those promises are being kept. All 36,000 lost jobs won’t magically appear overnight, but give it time and it seems that jobs in the industry will increase.

Not all people believe that jobs will increase, but anything besides more job cuts will be welcomed by the industry. As one coal miner states, “I really don’t think that there’s going to be that many more jobs created, but I do think it’ll stabilize.” This comes as a sign of hope for many currently working in the industry. With cuts first starting in 2011, the job security has now been welcomed by those currently employed in the industry. Those who have been worrying about their jobs being lost over the past six years can now stop stressing out over something they cannot control.

Just like in every other situation, there are those who believe that industry jobs will continue to decrease. In an article from the New York Times, it is clear that many researchers believe that the increased use of natural and renewable resources will continue the decrease in use of coal. As a researcher from Columbia University states, “…in order to stay competitive, coal will have to increase automation.”

The future of coal and jobs in the industry is still up in the air. However, one thing is certain: the outlook on industry jobs is looking brighter now than it has been for the past six years.