1028-0065-Supporting-Statement-B r14a

Supporting Statement B

Production Estimate (2 forms: 9-4042-A and 9-4124-A)

OMB Control Number 1028-0065

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.

Both of the surveys in this information collection are conducted as a complete census. No sampling is performed. The total universe is approximately 1,614 respondents that are business or other for-profit institutions (Table 1 below). The sources used to develop the census are industry directories (such as the annual Skillings North American Mining Directory) and trade periodicals (such as American Metal Market, Platts Metal Week, Metal Bulletin, North American Sulfur Services, and Ryan’s Notes), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) mineral commodity specialists’ direct contacts with industry specialists. Once a year, mineral commodity specialists update the frame.

Table 1. Consolidated estimates of annual burden (private sector)

			PRIVATE SECTOR
	Form No.	Frequency	Number of Respondents	Responses	Completion Time	Burden Hours
1	9-4042-A	Annually	721	721	15 min	180
2	9-4124-A	Annually	893	893	15 min	223
T O T A L S			1,614	1,614		403

The expected and actual response rate for this collection vary by commodity.

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.

The surveys do not employ sampling techniques. The majority of published statistics are rounded to three significant digits.

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.

Each fall, a survey form with instructions is sent to mineral production establishments. Most of these establishments have received these forms for many years, and they are familiar with how to complete them.

Several sources of information are used to estimate data for non-respondents. Two sources of actual production and sales data are Forms 10-K (OMB Control Number 3235-0063) and 10-Q (OMB Control Number 3235-0070), which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Publicly traded companies must file annual reports on Form 10-K including comprehensive overviews of their business and financial conditions, audited financial statements, results of continuing operations, market segment information, new product plans, subsidiary activities, and research and development activities on future programs. A second source of actual production and sales data is trade associations: the Gypsum Association, Inc., the National Lime Association, Inc., and the American Iron and Steel Institute.

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 surveys in this information collection. USGS mineral commodity specialists are in frequent contact with companies by way of industry associations and conferences (e.g., the National Mining Association, the National Lime Association, Inc., the Gypsum Association, Inc., the Aluminum Association, Inc., the Portland Cement Association, Inc.; the International Copper Study Group [ICSG], and the International Lead and Zinc Study Group [ILZSG]; the USGS copper mineral commodity specialist serves as the ICSG’s statistical chair, and USGS specialists participate in ILZSG’s Fall and Spring meetings; the USGS attends The Fertilizer Institute’s annual outlook meeting).

Informal communications during periodic contacts with our customers allow us to determine if the published survey data are meeting their needs. Any feedback concerning this information collection discussed during these communications or non-response 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 survey 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],

• Joyce A. Ober, Acting Chief, Mineral Commodities Section, 703-648-7717, [email protected], or

• Shonta E. Osborne, Chief, Mineral Commodities Data Unit, Data Collection and Coordination Section, 703-648-7960, [email protected].

[OMB-OIRA has produced a number of documents that may serve as useful reference material for completing Supporting Statement B. These can be found at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/inforeg_statpolicy.]