I am guessing there is quite a bit of hyperbole going on and bad communication.  Frankly if he thinks lack of mineral kills a cow he shouldn't be around livestock but I bet that isn't what is being said but it is what you hear.  On the other hand lick tubs are the most expensive waste of money around IMO.  Throw out some trace mineral salt blocks along with a few loose mineral feeders and you'll be fine.  Hell don't give them anything and they'll be fine just might not conceive as well.  Cattle made it thousands of years without us giving them mineral, all we are doing now is trying to catch the fringes that need it.