In recent years, exploration and mining of uranium have become a significant part of the Texas mineral scene, with Texas emerging as a leading uranium-producing state. At the end of 1970, Texas ranked third in reserves among the states, with ore reserves of 6.6 million tons. Continuation of the recent high level of exploration is shown by the 6.1 million feet of drilling in Texas during 1970, surpassed only by drilling activity in Wyoming.