1028-0053 Ssb_02.13.2012

Supporting Statement B

Nonferrous Metals Surveys

OMB Control Number 1028-0053

Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods?” is checked "Yes," the following documentation should be included in Supporting Statement B to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed:

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

All the canvasses in this information collection (Table 1 below) are conducted as a complete census. No sampling is performed. The total universe for this collection is approximately 1,681 respondents business or other for-profit institutions (Table 1 below). The sources used to create the sampling frame are trade periodicals (such as American Metal Market, Platts Metal Week, Metal Bulletin, and Ryan’s Notes), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) commodity specialists’ direct contacts with industry specialists. Once a year, commodity specialists update the frame.

Table 1. Sample strata for this collection.

			PRIVATE SECTOR
	Form No.	Frequency	Number of Respondents	Responses	Completion Time	Burden Hours
1	9-4052-A	Annually	36	36	30 min	18
2	9-4053-A	Annually	43	43	20 min	14
3	9-4055-A	Annually	18	18	30 min	9
4	9-4057-QA	Quarterly	26	104	30 min	52
	9-4057-QA	Annually	128	128	30 min	64
5	9-4060-QA	Quarterly	10	40	30 min	20
	9-4060-QA	Annually	34	34	30 min	17
6	9-4066-M	Monthly	26	312	30 min	156
7	9-4070-A	Annually	65	65	1 hour	65
8	9-4073-A	Annually	22	22	75 min	28
9	9-4074-A	Annually	41	41	2 hours	82
10	9-4080-A	Annually	20	20	1 hour	20
11	9-4081-MA	Monthly	24	288	1 hour	288
	9-4081-MA	Annually	42	42	1 hour	42
12	9-4082-A	Annually	342	342	30 min	171
13	9-4083-A	Annually	20	20	45 min	15
14	9-4084-M	Monthly	33	396	45 min	297
15	9-4086-MA	Monthly	20	240	30 min	120
	9-4086-MA	Annually	69	69	30 min	35
16	9-4089-MA	Monthly	28	336	90 min	504
	9-4089-MA	Annually	101	101	90 min	152
17	9-4090-M	Monthly	11	132	30 min	66
18	9-4091-A	Annually	29	29	30 min	15
19	9-4094-MA	Monthly	4	48	90 min	72
	9-4094-MA	Annually	18	18	90 min	27
20	9-4095-MA	Monthly	54	648	45 min	486
	9-4095-MA	Annually	105	105	45 min	79
21	9-4097-A	Annually	56	56	45 min	42
22	9-4098-M	Monthly	44	528	45 min	396
23	9-4100-A	Annually	12	12	1 hour	12
24	9-4101-A	Annually	35	35	1 hour	35
25	9-4102-A	Annually	27	27	1 hour	27
26	9-4103-A	Annually	23	23	1 hour	23
27	9-4122-Q	Quarterly	23	92	30 min	46
28	9-4125-A	Annually	43	43	30 min	22
29	9-4128-A	Annually	10	10	1 hour	10
30	9-4141-M	Monthly	39	468	20 min	156
	TOTALS		1,681	4,971		3,683

The expected response rate for this collection will be at least 81%. This is based on the number of establishments that have traditionally responded to this request for information.

The data collected on these forms are used to publish information on the mineral production for each state, including state rankings. Each state typically has only a limited number of producers for each mineral commodity. In order to have accurate state rankings, it is necessary to canvass all of the producers.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

* Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

* Estimation procedure,

* Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

* Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

* Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

These canvasses do not employ sampling techniques. In some cases, individual establishments, by mutual agreement, have converted to reporting on an annual, rather than a monthly basis to reduce their burden. For those establishments, a monthly response is imputed from their annual response. Data are imputed for all nonresponses. The majority of published statistics are rounded to three significant digits. Estimation procedures for nonrespondents are described in item 3 below.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Paper forms:

Two weeks after the initial request, establishments not responding will receive another copy of the paper form in a second request for information. For larger establishments that still have not responded, statistical assistants or mineral commodity specialists will phone an alternative company contact.

On-line electronic forms:

Two weeks after the initial request, statistical assistants will phone establishments that have not responded. For larger establishments that still have not responded, statistical assistants or mineral commodity specialists may phone an alternative company contact.

Non-response:

Data are imputed for nonresponses. For example; imputation of non-response data may use industry trend figures, measures of establishment size such as Mine Safety and Health Administration employee-hours data, or company annual reports.

Industry acceptance of these canvasses and response to the USGS publication of the data continue to be extremely positive.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

Many of the USGS’ information customers are also businesses that respond to the canvasses in this information collection. USGS mineral commodity specialists are in frequent contact with companies by way of industry associations and conferences [for example, the Aluminum Association, Inc., the International Copper Study Group (ICSG), and the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG); the USGS copper specialist serves as the ICSG’s statistical chair, and USGS specialists participate in ILZSG’s Fall and Spring meetings].

Informal communications during periodic contacts with our customers allow us to determine if the published canvass data are meeting their needs. Any feedback concerning this information collection discussed during these communications or nonresponse follow-up telephone contacts is used as suggestions that might facilitate clarification or ease respondent burden. Respondents are also encouraged to submit comments via a feedback link on the Web site at https://miforms.er.usgs.gov/General/FeedBackForm.asp. An annual letter is sent to our voluntary canvass respondents thanking them for their support and encouraging them to view our data products. At present, no formal tests are in progress that would require clearance.

5. Provide the names and telephone numbers of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

For further information concerning this information collection, please contact:

• Jeffrey P. Busse, Statistician, 703-648-4914, [email protected],

• Scott F. Sibley, Chief, Mineral Commodities Section, 703-648-4976, [email protected], or

• Carleen Kostick, Chief, Data Collection and Coordination Section, 703-648-7940, [email protected].

List and Titles of Forms

Form No.	Frequency	Canvass Code	Title
9-4052-A	Annually	C01	Bauxite - Consumption
9-4053-A	Annually	G46	Mine Production of Gold and Silver
9-4055-A	Annually	C04	Alumina
9-4057-QA	Quarterly	C06	Primary Antimony
9-4057-QA	Annually	C06	Primary Antimony
9-4060-QA	Quarterly	C11	Bismuth
9-4060-QA	Annually	C11	Bismuth
9-4066-M	Monthly	C21	Copper
9-4070-A	Annually	C31	Magnesium
9-4073-A	Annually	C37	Mercury
9-4074-A	Annually	C39	Zirconium and Hafnium
9-4080-A	Annually	C49	Lead and Titanium Pigments and Compounds
9-4081-MA	Monthly	C52	Aluminum Scrap
9-4081-MA	Annually	C52	Aluminum Scrap
9-4082-A	Annually	C53	Consumption of Copper Materials - Foundries, Manufacturers, Chemical Plants
9-4083-A	Annually	C54	Scrap and Secondary Copper, Brass, and Nickel
9-4084-M	Monthly	C55	Copper Materials - Consumption of Primary Brass and Primary Copper Wire Rod Mills
9-4086-MA	Monthly	C58	Lead - Secondary Smelter and Consumer Report
9-4086-MA	Annually	C58	Lead - Secondary Smelter and Consumer Report
9-4089-MA	Monthly	C62	Tin
9-4089-MA	Annually	C62	Tin
9-4090-M	Monthly	C63	Pig Tin (Importers, Agents, Brokers, Jobbers, and Dealers)
9-4091-A	Annually	C65	Titanium Materials
9-4094-MA	Monthly	C70	Zinc
9-4094-MA	Annually	C70	Zinc
9-4095-MA	Monthly	C71	Slab Zinc
9-4095-MA	Annually	C71	Slab Zinc
9-4097-A	Annually	C77	Lode Mine Production of Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, and Zinc
9-4098-M	Monthly	C78	Lode Mine Production of Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, and Zinc
9-4100-A	Annually	C84	Magnesium Compounds (Raw Material and Products)
9-4101-A	Annually	C85	Thorium
9-4102-A	Annually	C87	Rare Earths
9-4103-A	Annually	C90	Gallium
9-4122-Q	Quarterly	G37	Titanium Metal
9-4125-A	Quarterly	G43	Refinery Production of Precious Metals
9-4128-A	Annually	C88	Scandium
9-4141-M	Monthly	G47	Mine Production of Gold and Silver

6