Even the very first colonists attempted mining. Iron ore for example was shipped to England from Jamestown in 1608. They were eager for more investment and tried to show folks in England the variety of potential resources in America. The first Virginia ironworks was established in 1620... although it didn't last. But there were small mining operations up and down the coast by the late 18th century.

The problem with all of these was England discouraged local manufacturing. So smelters, forges, and the like were all fairly uncommon. And the cost of shipping raw ore back to England made American ore comparatively less competitive. Most operations thus remained small until the early 19th century.