Southern Utah has a rich history regarding natural resources. The early Mormon pioneers were sent down from original settlements in the Salt Lake Valley to present day Iron County to procure iron from the rich ore deposits located west of Cedar City. Mining continued to produce quality iron until late in the 1970's when metals prices could no longer support mining costs.
Silver was another viable metal that was found in Iron County and had multiple successful operations in the county until known deposits were finally depleted. The last silver mine in Escalante Valley closed also.
The old iron ore deposits, however, are back in operation once again with higher demand making the prices rise above costs. But greater attention is now being drawn to another local natural resource; one with no depletion factor, driven by expanding demand and advancing technology: renewable energy production.
This region of the state has a wonderful concentration of renewable energy options. Geothermal energy sources are leading the way with water heated by Mother Nature deep beneath the surface. The elevation, coupled with numerous days of sunshine each year, make it a top-notch location for solar power, and finally, the wind that everyone is so quick to complain about has a barely tapped potential for endless, effortless power.
This is one arena that entrepreneurs, environmentalists and government officials can all get excited about. Now watch the scramble begin for the prime locations next to transmission lines, especially where geothermal sources are also present. Solar installations can go in anywhere there is access to a transmission line. Wind and geothermal are somewhat more site selective. But between the three of them, together with extremely low land prices plus goverment incentives, it makes western Iron County a prime target for growth, job development and price appreciation.
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