_by_ George B. Griswold
New Mexico is a mineral-rich state. The gross production value of oil,
gas, and minerals was $671 million during 1963, making the state the
sixth ranking mineral producer in the nation. New Mexico ranks among
other states as follows: first in the production of potash, uranium,
perlite, and carbon dioxide; third in helium; fourth in copper; fifth in
natural gas and liquids; and seventh in petroleum. Important amounts of
zinc, lead, gold, silver, magnesium compounds, coal, gypsum, pumice, and
salt are also produced from deposits within New Mexico. The oil and gas
industry holds a dominant position in the state, accounting for almost
two thirds of the value of minerals produced.