Mining, particularly for minerals like gold, is a major industry in the Mojave Desert, historically and in the present day.

Mining has been a central industry in the Mojave Desert since the late 19th century, with gold and silver being some of the most historically significant minerals extracted. The region’s mineral wealth has driven exploration and settlement in the desert. In addition to precious metals, other materials such as borates, lithium, and salt are also mined. While tourism is important, especially due to attractions like Joshua Tree National Park, the mining industry remains a key economic driver in the Mojave Desert. Agriculture and forestry are not common industries in the desert due to its arid conditions and lack of suitable land for large-scale farming or forest growth.