Nevada: A Key Player in the Mining Industry

Besides popular destinations like Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, Nevada is home to numerous minerals mines that position the state as a global leader in the production of minerals. Mining Global recently highlighted Nevada’s robust mining industry—not only that it produces mass amounts of gold, copper and silver, but that it also generates and supports job creation, economic growth and community investment.

“There’s mining essentially everywhere,” said Nevada Mining Association (NVMA) President Dana Bennett, Ph.D. “It’s important that [residents] understand the role that mining plays in their daily lives” and “how important the industry is to the state economy.”

Just how big of a role does mining play in Nevada? The Nevada mining industry employs more than 12,000 people in jobs offering competitive pay—the average mining pay is $83,000 a year— and the most comprehensive benefits programs. Additionally, Barrick Gold Corporation, the largest gold mining company in the world, announced last week that it opened a “global IT operations and corporate affairs hub” in Henderson, Nev. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) applauded the firm, saying, “For more than three decades, Barrick Gold Corp. has played a key role in Nevada’s economy, providing good-paying jobs from their operations in Northern Nevada. I’m happy to see them expand to Southern Nevada and create even more jobs in the Silver State.”

Beyond contributing to the well-being of employees, the mining industry emphasizes community outreach. Bennett explains, “We’re proud of Nevada’s mining industry and work hard to get that message out” via community programs such as facility tours and science workshops created with the intention of educating youth about mining. Further, NVMA has expressed, “The mining industry has been in a great position over the past several years to affect positive change throughout the state by supporting these various organizations dedicated to charitable giving, education, the arts and much more.”

With good-paying jobs, community initiatives and economic stability, it is no wonder mining is a point of pride for Nevada. The industry’s effect deeply penetrates the state and its people, and National Mining Association is proud to be a partner with NVMA.