Nevada mining companies dig in to aid state, tribes in COVID-19 response
April 22, 2020
Carson City, NV — Nevada’s COVID-19 pandemic response efforts received a boost this month from state mining companies providing financial and logistical support in rural communities and tribal nations.
Overall, Nevada mining companies have donated about $5 million in economic relief and food distribution in coordination with the Nevada COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force.
“We have ensured that our operations are working as safely and responsibly as possible, but it is not only our employees who we are concerned about — we are also using our resources to support our friends and neighbors, and particularly seniors, the homeless and Native Americans,” said Greg Walker, executive manager, Nevada Gold Mines, which committed $1.5 million to the task force this month.
Nevada Gold Mines — a joint venture between the Barrick Gold and Newmont mining corporations in Elko County — has developed the framework for an “I-80 Fund” to assist small businesses along the Interstate-80 corridor and provide solutions to childcare and rural health care. They also sent about 17,000 pounds of beef, milk, potatoes and bread to tribes in the region.
“We saw that many Native Americans were adhering to stay-at-home orders, but they often had to drive three to four hours roundtrip for groceries,” said Joe Mike, head of Nevada Gold Mines Native American Affairs. “Goal was to help them shelter in place and provide as much food to the communities, elders and tribal members, to keep them fed and from being exposed to COVID-19.”
Other Nevada mining companies — including Coeur Mining, Kinross Round Mountain, Kinross Bald Mountain, Robinson Nevada Mining Company and Lithium Nevada — have contributed to support small businesses, school districts, food banks and provide medical supplies for first responders, the Nevada Mining Association said.
COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force is a public-private partnership overseen by Gov. Steve Sisolak’s office and the Nevada Health Response Center.
“I am deeply appreciative of Gov. Steve Sisolak’s leadership as we work to assemble a robust and comprehensive team to help Nevada prepare for, respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” former MGM CEO Jim Murren, who is leading the task force, said in a statement. “The fund will help to ensure our state has the resources it needs to effectively deal with this crisis. It will take all of us to prevail. Collectively, we can generate the funding necessary to help protect and support the citizens of our great state and put Nevada back on track once the crisis has passed.”
CONTACT: Meghin Delaney
Public Information Officer