Mining employment in Colorado fell 4.8% since last quarter losing 765 employees. Oil & Gas Extraction (13) down 865 employees reflected the largest sector loss. Low prices for oil and increased natural gas reserves caused a slowing of drilling activity and subsequent cutbacks. In addition, approximately 100 employees were reclassified to holding companies in Finance Insurance & Real Estate. Mining & Quarry Nonmetal (14) dropped 43 employees with losses occurring primarily in Sand & Gravel (144). Though less than normal, losses are typical for this time of year as demand for cement materials slows during the winter months. Industry losses were offset by gains in Metal Mining (10) up 121 employees and Coal Mining (12) up 23 employees. Increased prices for molybdenum generated most of the growth in Metal Mining and increased production created the growth in Coal Mining.
ANNUAL
Mining employment dropped 3.9% over a year ago losing 611 employees. Sector activity was mixed. The largest declining sector was Oil & Gas (13) down 860 employees. Reduced contracts for drilling, occurring mainly this quarter, caused the losses. Growth occurred in Metal Mining (10) up 170 employees and Mining & Quarry Nonmetal (14) up 109. Gold & Silver Ores (104) contributed most of the new employees to Metal Mining due to a couple of expansions and one short term project. Growth in Mining & Quarry Nonmetal was strongest in Sand & Gravel (144), up 51 employees, as mild winter weather caused less of a seasonal drop than normal. Dimension Stone (141) up 34 employees incurred a small expansion in second quarter 1994 and Crushed & Broken Stone (142) added 20 over the year due to short term projects .
1994 SIC CHANGES
Mining lost approximately 175 employees and $1,925,419 in quarterly payroll due to reclassification.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) First Quarter 1995
![[]](901e02a4.gif){kind=small}
![[]](90000211.gif){kind=small}
![[]](90000269.gif){kind=small}