Though small, Mining has seen a quarterly employment increase for the first time since second quarter 1998. Mining gained 37 employees over last quarter rising 0.3%. Sector activity was mixed with Oil & Gas Extraction (13) the only sector to increase. Employment rose by 276. All of the gain was concentrated in Oil & Gas Field Services. About 65 employees were added for drilling projects and about 40 for contract exploration. The remainder of the employment gain was relegated to the provision of service to existing wells. Employment in Mining & Quarry Nonmetal (14) fell by 88. Losses were primarily seasonal caused by cutbacks at establishments operating sand and gravel pits and preparing sand and gravel for construction uses. Metal Mining (10) employment dropped by 99. The largest subsector drop occurred in Gold Ores, down 45, the result of mining production cutbacks due to declining gold prices. Metal Mining Services dropped by 20 employees due to project cutbacks also influenced by declining gold prices. Coal Mining (12) lost 52 employees. Coal mining production slowed, down 85 employees, while services to coal mines took on a project adding 33 employees.
ANNUAL
Mining employment fell 6.4% since fourth quarter a year ago losing 870 workers. Losses were led by a drop of 873 employees in Oil & Gas Extraction (13). Corporate cutbacks and out of state transfers at four large companies involved in the production of oil and gas caused a drop of 501. The loss of 215 employees in Oil & Gas Field Services contributed to the sector decline and was influenced by less projects and the movement of about 70 in January due to SIC changes. Metal Mining (10) fell over the year dropping by 300 employees. Two mine closures and staff cutbacks at another mine along with corporate streamlining in Gold Ores and project completions in Mining Services caused this decline. Coal Mining (12) lost 89 employees. Corporate staff streamlining and mining staff cutbacks accounted for the losses. Mining & Quarry Nonmetal (14) was the only sector to add employment over a year ago gaining 228 employees. Strength in the Construction industry has affected demand for sand and gravel and crushed and broken stone increasing employment by 134 and 62 employees, respectively.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Fourth Quarter 1999
