This study can be used in a geographic research methods course to show how nearest-neighbor analysis and regression analysis can be used to study various aspects of land use. An analysis of the sand, gravel, and crushed stone industry in three urban areas of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Florida illustrates the locational problems faced by mining operations. Demand for sand, gravel, and crushed stone is about seven times the combined demand for the rest of the nonfuel nonmetallic minerals. Most mines producing sand, gravel, and stone are located in or near urban areas. There has been increased concern over the size of the operations, prices, the environmental impact of mining, the allocation of land for mineral extraction, social conflicts, and regulations and constraints affecting land use by the mineral aggregate industry. The creation of mineral resource zones by local governing bodies may be a means for reducing future conflicts and may provide the greatest potential for preserving sites for extraction of mineral aggregates. (RM)