The Voice of Nevada's Modern Mining Industry
On March 24, 1913, twelve individuals representing mining operations across Nevada gathered in Tonopah with a common goal: to strengthen the state’s foundational industry. That day, they established a constitution and bylaws for a new organization to achieve that objective: the Nevada Mine Operators’ Association.
Under the leadership of its first executive, Wallace B. Alexander, the association quickly established a critical role within Nevada mining. Early priorities included maintaining strong relationships between employees and employers and creating a forum where member companies could regularly meet and discuss opportunities to improve the industry. During his tenure, Alexander helped stabilize the supply chain for key commodities, including negotiating a contract that stabilized cyanide supply and price, allowing operators across the state to purchase the chemical directly through the association. He also relocated the association’s headquarters to Reno, where it still resides today.
Henry Rives replaced Alexander in 1915, a position he would hold until his death in December 1952. Drawing on his experience in mining and as a former member of the Nevada State Assembly, Rives transformed the association into one of the most influential organizations in the state. Over his nearly four decades leading the association, Rives shifted its focus from supplying bulk goods to ensuring elected officials and community leaders throughout Nevada understood the importance of mining to the state.
With a reputation that earned Rives the nickname “Mr. Mining,” his passing left a significant void in leadership and institutional knowledge. In 1953, several member representatives met to restructure the association. Two key changes emerged from that meeting: expanding membership to include supplier companies and adopting a new name to reflect that growth, the Nevada Mining Association (NVMA).
Over the decades, the NVMA’s scope and responsibilities have continued to expand. Today, it represents more than 500 companies across Nevada’s mining supply chain, from large-scale operators to equipment manufacturers to independent contractors. The NVMA continues to provide a forum for its membership to connect, while expanding its role as a source of information and a unified voice for the state’s modern mining industry.
That growth is reflected not only in the association’s membership, but also in its leadership. The association has reached several milestones, including Dana Bennett’s appointment as its first female president in 2015 and Tyre Gray’s as its first African American president in 2020. In 2024, Amanda Hilton became president, the first former mine general manager to lead the NVMA since 1964. During her time as General Manager at the KGHM Robinson Mine, Hilton also became the first woman to chair the association’s board of directors.
The NVMA plays a central role in connecting its members. Its annual convention in Lake Tahoe serves as the association’s premier event, bringing together leaders from across Nevada’s mining industry to share ideas, build relationships, and stay informed on key developments. The convention also provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding work across the state through safety and reclamation awards. Additional events, including the Reverse Expo and regular committee meetings, create opportunities for members to engage throughout the year.
The Association also works to build a broader understanding of Nevada’s modern mining industry. The association hosts workshops for K-12 educators, supports community initiatives, participates in media interviews, and maintains an active presence on social media. It also serves as a consistent voice in policy discussions, representing the industry during Nevada legislative sessions, engaging with elected officials, and hosting them on mine tours.
For more than a century, the Nevada Mining Association’s core identity has remained the same: bringing people together, strengthening the industry, and evolving to meet the needs of modern mining.