Committed To Responsible,
Sustainable Mining
For more than 100 years, the Nevada Mining Association has partnered with policymakers, regulators, and community leaders to ensure the State’s natural resources can be protected while mining communities are allowed to thrive. The sections below illustrate the industry’s commitment to preserving Nevada’s environment, history, and communities.
Environment
Nevada’s modern mining industry is committed to sustainability, producing over twenty essential minerals while protecting the state’s land, air, water, and wildlife. Before operations begin, mines must go through rigorous phases of study and permitting, focused on mitigating and eliminating potential environmental concerns. Mines are required to meet strict environmental standards implemented by a number of state and federal regulatory agencies. Operators employ teams of professionals that are consistently monitoring area conditions, ensuring that standards are not only met, but frequently succeeded.
Laws and regulations put into place by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection set high expectations for Nevada mining companies. Mines must comply with policies like the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts, in addition to several other laws.
In short, if a mine cannot meet Nevada’s world class standards, they will not be allowed to operate.
Reclamation
Before ground is broken on a mine, mining companies must ensure sufficient funding is available to complete reclamation of the site. Bonds and other financial guarantees are held by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, the Division of Minerals, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service. Comprehensive reclamation plans and assurance amounts are prepared following state and federal regulatory guidelines. All plans must be approved by the agencies before mining can begin.
Today, the State of Nevada and federal agencies currently hold more than $4.5 billion in mining reclamation guarantees.
Workplace Safety
Nevada mining is proud of its “safety first” culture, prioritizing people over production. Safety oriented professionals are employed on sites, focused on educating, mitigating risk, and committed to seeing every miner go home to their family at the end of their shift.
Safety is highly regulated at both the state and federal levels, and organizations like the Mining Safety & Health Administration inspect and conduct investigations directly on site to ensure laws are complied with. Meanwhile, every miner is trained in safety procedures before beginning work, using a new piece of equipment, or implementing a new procedure.
The Nevada Mining Association recognizes the individuals and operations across the state who exemplify the industry’s commitment to workplace safety through its annual Safety Awards.
Employment
Few, if any, industries that offer the fulfilling careers found in Nevada mining. In addition to paying the state’s highest average salary at over $114,000, miners have access to benefits including health care, retirement, sick leave, and paid time off.
Gone are the days of the grizzled prospector with shovel and pickaxe in hand. Today’s mining features a highly skilled and highly trained workforce, with career pathways available for recent high school graduates and those with advanced degrees. Roughly 15,000 Nevadans are directly employed by the mining industry, with another 26,000 working throughout the supply chain. While most of Nevada’s major mines are located in rural northern Nevada, both direct and supply chain careers are available throughout all 17 counties in the state.
Taxes & Education
Nevada mine operators pay every tax that other businesses do, including federal corporate income taxes, as well as state and county taxes. In addition, the industry pays two Nevada-specific taxes: the Net Proceeds on Minerals Tax and the Mining Education Tax (MET).
Passed during the 2021 Nevada Legislative Session, MET created a direct and lasting connection between the mining industry and K–12 education. It established the state’s first tax dedicated entirely to public education and redirected the state’s share of the Net Proceeds Tax to support Nevada schools. Together, these two taxes are projected to contribute more than $475 million to public education in the 2026–27 biennium.
The Nevada Mining Association supports a broad-based tax structure that ensures a sustainable and consistent tax base to provide for the necessary services to Nevada’s growing population.
Community Engagement
Nevada mine operators are committed to providing high-quality careers, supporting local communities, and fostering partnerships that enhance the lives of those who call Nevada home. In addition to paying county, state, and federal taxes, these companies contribute to local nonprofits, scholarships, and community initiatives. Just as importantly, they also volunteer their time to make a difference.
Across the state, mine operators support a range of initiatives, including education and workforce development, small business growth, and emergency response. Many also work closely with tribal communities to build strong, respectful partnerships that create long-term benefits.
These efforts reflect more than just corporate responsibility. They show a deep commitment to Nevada’s people and places. Whether it’s helping schools expand programs, supporting local health and safety services, or working alongside community and tribal leaders, the mining industry is focused on creating lasting, positive change throughout Nevada.
Strengthening America
Securing a reliable source of minerals is essential to the United States’ efforts to build and strengthen domestic supply chains. That effort starts in Nevada. The state currently produces four minerals classified as critical by the federal government (copper, lithium, magnesium, barite), in addition to significant deposits of others with strategic importance.
Nevada is home to more than 20 essential minerals, including gold, silver, copper, and lithium. These materials are vital to modern life. Transportation, energy, national security, and future technological advancements all depend on a steady supply of these resources. As demand continues to grow, sourcing minerals domestically has never been more important.
Nevada mining helps reduce America’s dependence on foreign sources, supports high-paying careers, and prioritizes sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. By building secure mineral supply chains here at home, Nevada is helping to power the nation’s future.