What's the Story? Pikes Peak or Bust: 1859
Tables and maps showing the locations of mines (as well as processing facilities) in the United States:
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/maps
Task: What Makes a Metal, Rock, or Mineral Valuable?
Scroll down to bottom of the web page to find links to documents related to minerals and materials used in various safety applications and sports equipment:
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/specialty-items