The mining building was opened to the public on March 5, 1898. The representative responsible for the building was Mr. H.B. Hardt. The goal of this building was to show the "underground assets" of the area west of the Mississippi. The states more to the east had exhibits showing achievements in metallurgy and mining.

Some of the accomplishments shown include a cross section of the largest electrical furnace ever known, creating the new abrasive carborundum. A large new form of artificial graphite was made in this furnace.

The building also housed an extensive gold nugget and petroleum collection. A collection from various railroad companies collaborated and put together a coal collection. This coal exhibit resulted in a new way to "size" harder varieties of western coals.