Did you know Missouri is the number one producer of lime in the United States?

Missouri industries produce nearly 2.5 million tons of lime each year at a value of approximately $237 million. This equates to more than 18 percent of U.S. production. Due to the large domestic production, lime is one of a few of more than 60 mineral commodities produced in the U. S. that is not necessary to import. The U.S. actually exports more than 160,000 tons each year.

There are literally thousands of uses for lime that impact our daily lives. Uses range from the manufacture of paper, plastics, rubber, glass, steel and other metals, to treating and cleaning water, wastewater, and air emission in the process of using fossil fuels. It serves a myriad uses in the food industry including the reduction of carbon dioxide produced by stored fruits and vegetables, thereby lengthening their storage time. Used in the production of milk and milk products such as butter, lime is also found in baby food, stomach antacid and tooth paste. Interestingly enough, all quality tortillas and corn chips are treated with lime. So the next time you have a really good tortilla, remember which lime really gave it that special flavor.

Learn more by reading this U.S. Geological Survey report about lime production in the U.S. and see the lime commodity statistics page.

Read more about limestone in our Winter 2012 issue of Missouri Resources Magazine.  Also see the Geologic Column of Missouri and learn more about other industrial minerals in Missouri.  –Jerry