137The Mineral Industry of California 
 
This chapter has been prepared under a cooperative agreement for the collection
of mineral data between the Bureau of Mines, US. Department of the Interior,
and the California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology.

 
 
By L. E. Davis 1 
 
 
 California's mineral industry in 1967 was highlighted by oil production
that exceeded 1 million barrels daily (in October) for the first time since
February 1954. The production value for all mineral fuels, 1 percent less
than in 1966, represented 65 percent of the total State mineral output value.
Among the fuels, increases were reported for only petroleum and liquid petroleum
gases. 
 Of 26 nonmetallic mineral commodities produced, value of output increased
for only six. As a group, value of nonmetallic mineral production declined
over $13 million, reflecting a generally depressed construction industry.
Value increases over 1966 totals were reported for five of 12 metals, principally
tungsten, iron ore, and mercury. Overall production value for metals rose
more than $5 million. 
 
 Consumption, Trade, and Markets.—In 1967, California held the number
one position among the States not only in the number of different mineral
commodities produced and marketed (48) but also in the number of different
minerals found (602). Many of the minerals reported have been found only
in California. Despite this diversity, California was not self.sufficient
in minerals, particularly mineral fuels. Refinery receipts (all sources)
rose 3 percent, and natural gas receipts (pipeline) from out-of-State, were
11 percent above 1966 figures. Plants within the State processed 13 billion
cubic feet less wet gas than in 1966 yet the output of natural gas liquids,
including condensate, was only slightly lower. California was third highest
in the Nation in petroleum production and consumption of petroleum products
was 
higher than that of any other State. More than 1,335 billion cubic feet of
natural gas was received from sources outside the State to meet consumer
needs despite a production that was sixth highest in the Nation. 
 California was the sole domestic source for boron minerals and compounds,
yielded all the sulfur ore production, was the leader by far in sand and
gravel output, and the principal producer of short fiber asbestos, diatomite,
mercury, rare-earth minerals and compounds, salt cake, tin, and tungsten.
Plants in California also processed many nonmetallic minerals produced in
other States, principally Arizona and Nevada. 
 
 Trends and Developments.—California oil production reached an alitime
high of 1,019,000 barrels daily in December, topping the previous daily high
of 1,006,000 barrels reported in July 1953. Credit for the increase went
to well completions in the Wilmington field, most of which were on four offshore
islands. Except for the Wilmington field, offshore development slowed while
operators awaited Federal and State lease sales scheduled for 1968. As in
1966, principal areas of new onshore development were in Kern and Los Angeles
Counties. Increased production in Kern County came primarily from steaming
operations where projects were fewer in number owing to consolidations. 
Refining capacity in California was increased to 1.5 million barrels daily
in 1967. In Contra Costa County, Sequoia Refining Co. placed its new refining
com1 Physical scientist, Bureau of Mines, San 
Francisco, Calif.