Mining FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Nevada mines produce over 20 essential minerals. The state is an international leader in gold production in addition to producing large quantities of silver, copper, diatomite, and gypsum. Nevada is also home to the only operating lithium mine in the United States.
More information about the minerals mined in Nevada and their uses is available here.
The Nevada mining industry is one of the world’s most regulated industries and is required to follow a stringent set of laws and regulations before, during, and after operation. Before a shovel breaks ground, mines go through a rigorous permitting and review process that can take upwards of a decade to complete. Mines are also required to submit a post-closure reclamation plan and bond payment. The state of Nevada currently holds over $3.3 billion in mine reclamation bonding.
During operation, mines are consistently monitoring area water, soil, and air quality to ensure that standards are met, and potential wildlife issues are mitigated. Following the closure of a mine, an operator is required by law to continue to oversee the location to ensure that reclamation plans are successful, and as much of the area as possible can be returned to nature and the public.
Like constructing a building or driving a car, mining does have an environmental impact. However, a combination of strong regulations and industry commitment makes Nevada one of the world’s most responsible mining jurisdictions.
Safety is the industry’s number one priority. Nevada mining operations have one of the state’s lowest workplace injury rates. What does that mean? Put simply, you’re more likely to be injured on the job while working in industries such as retail, healthcare, and education!
The Nevada Mining Association is comprised of:
- Operators (mining companies)
- Exploration companies (those searching for minerals)
- Suppliers (those providing the industry with equipment, goods and services)
- and other Independent Professionals interested in the well-being of the industry through their work and services
The association’s work is dedicated to maintaining a business and operating environment that will encourage the development and production of minerals in Nevada using safe and environmentally conscious methods.
While impact of mining is tremendous on our daily lives, you may be surprised to know mines only operate on roughly 0.3% of the state’s 70.8 million acres. Of that number, only a small portion is utilized for actual active mining.
There are many different types of mining in Nevada, as we extract 20 different minerals in the state. There are metal mines, industrial mineral mines, gemstone mines, geothermal, and oil production all found in Nevada. To see the most up to date information, visit the Nevada Division of Mineral’s Open Data Site and use the Production Explorer to locate mines within Nevada.
Click here for a list of major mine operators across the state and their locations.
Absolutely! Careers along the mining supply chain are available in all 17 Nevada counties, regardless of what you’re interested in–there is opportunity in mining for everyone!
Mining companies pay all local, state, and federal taxes as well as two mining-specific taxes. These include:
The Net Proceeds of Minerals (NPOM) Tax Mining is one of only four industries in Nevada with industry-specific taxes that must be paid in addition to all other business taxes. More than half of NPOM tax revenue goes to the State Education Fund. The remainder goes to the county in which the minerals were produced. This tax totaled $189 million in 2020, up from $122.7 million in 2019 and $125.9 million in 2018.
Mining Education Tax (Gold and Silver Excise Tax)
During the 81st (2021) Nevada Legislative Session, the Mining Education Tax was created. The new tax imposed solely on gold and silver operators created the first direct funding source for education in Nevada history. The Mining Education Tax is anticipated to gross $80 million annually and go directly into the State Education Fund. Combined with the Net Proceeds of Minerals, an estimated $168.5 million go directly into the State Education Fund.
Property taxes, which are paid on property, plants, and facilities, stay almost exclusively in the counties and special tax districts where mines are located. Property taxes from the mining industry totaled 31.2 million in 2020.
Sales and use taxes are distributed throughout the state per capita. In addition, a small amount goes to the state’s General Fund and to school districts. These taxes totaled $111.9 million in 2020.
Payroll taxes, called Modified Business taxes, are assessed on businesses’ overall payroll. Mining contributed roughly $22.9 million in 2020.
Mines have career opportunities for people of all education levels. In addition to mining-specific roles, operators also need the same positions as other industries, including HR professionals, administrative employees, lawyers, and more. Visit the link below for a list of current openings across the state from NVMA Members:
In 2023, the average annual salary for metal ore mine employees was $108,335. This compares with state-wide average earnings in all industries of about $61,097.