1028-0053_part B_092408 r4[1]

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

OMB Control Number 1028-0053

Nonferrous Metals Surveys (31 forms—see Table 1)

Expiration Date: October 31, 2008

Terms of Clearance: None

Specific Instructions

B. 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 statistical methods are used, the following documentation should be included in the Supporting Statement 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 are conducted as a complete census. The total frame for all the canvasses is approximately 1,801 respondents. The source of the frame are trade periodicals such as American Metal Market, Platts Metals Week, Metal Bulletin, and Ryan’s Notes as well as commodity specialists’ direct contacts with industry specialists. Once a year, commodity specialists update the frame. No sampling is performed. 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 of each commodity. In order to have accurate State rankings, it is necessary to canvass all of the producers. On average, 81% of establishments respond.

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.

None of the canvasses employ sampling techniques. However, individual establishments, by mutual agreement, have converted to reporting on an annual, rather than a monthly or quarterly basis to reduce their burden. For those establishments, a monthly or quarterly response is imputed from their annual response. Data are imputed for all non-responses. For the large majority of the published statistics, the high response rate and good imputation methodology used justify a maximum expected error of no more than plus or minus 5%. Industry acceptance of these canvasses and response to the USGS publication of the data continue to be extremely positive.

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 along with a second request for information. For establishments that still do not respond after the second request for information, generally a statistical assistant will contact them by telephone. If contact is not made we will follow the procedures for the non-response described below.

On-line electronic forms:

Two weeks after the initial request, statistical assistants phone establishments that do not respond. For establishments that still do not reply, commodity specialists may phone an alternative company contact.

Non-response:

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.

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 supply our data. The USGS is 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 canvassed data are meeting their needs. Any feedback concerning this information collection discussed during these communications or non-response follow-up telephone contacts are used as suggestions that might facilitate clarification or ease respondent burden. Respondents are also encouraged to submit comments via a feedback link on the website. 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 name and telephone number 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, jbusse@usgs.gov or Scott F. Sibley, Chief, Mineral Commodities Section, 703-648-4976, ssibley@usgs.gov.

Table 1. List of Forms

Form Number	Frequency	Canvass Code	Title
9-4052-A	Annually	C01	Bauxite - Consumption
9-4053-A	Annually	G46	Mine Production of Gold and Silver
9-4054-M	Monthly	C03	Aluminum
9-4055-A	Annually	C04	Alumina
9-4057-QA	Quarterly, Annually	C06	Primary Antimony
9-4060-QA	Quarterly, Annually	C11	Bismuth
9-4061-A	Annually	C12	Cadmium
9-4066-M	Monthly	C21	Copper (Refinery Report)
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, 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 at Primary Brass and Primary Copper Wire Rod Mills
9-4086-MA	Monthly, Annually	C58	Lead – Secondary Smelter and Consumer Report
9-4089-MA	Monthly, 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, Annually	C70	Zinc
9-4095-MA	Monthly, 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	Annually	G43	Refinery Production of Precious Metals
9-4141-M	Monthly	G47	Mine Production of Gold and Silver

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