Final answer:
Oil and natural gas combine to form a major part of the mining industry's output, accounting for approximately 67.5% (31% natural gas and 36.5% petroleum) of the total U.S. energy consumption as of 2019 data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The production of oil and natural gas constitutes a significant portion of the mining industry. Looking at the energy production figures for the United States, fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal accounted for about 80% of the total U.S. primary energy production in 2019. In terms of specific shares, natural gas constitutes 31% and petroleum (oil) stands at 36.5% of the total energy portfolio according to data provided.
When we talk about the sectoral consumption of natural gas, we can observe that 35% goes to electricity production, 34% for industrial purposes, and 29% for residential and commercial heating. Considering both the production and usage across sectors, we can identify the massive role that oil and natural gas play in both the mining industry and the broader energy sector.