Local mines set the global pace for America’s strategic future

While many leaders recognize the importance of diversifying rural Nevada’s economy, the mining industry remains a primary engine that drives it.

Major mining operations in Eureka County employ around 2,500 company and contract workers, according to the Nevada Division of Minerals’ Major Mines of Nevada 2024 report. With the United States in an era of unprecedented mineral demand, Eureka County looks well-positioned as a key economic contributor to the state and nation for decades to come.

Domestic mining is experiencing high demand, driven by energy needs and advanced manufacturing. Amanda Hilton, president of the Nevada Mining Association, wrote recently in the Las Vegas Sun that the United States is currently dependent on imports for 12 of the 50 minerals deemed critical by the U.S. Geological Survey. Hilton stated that “the United States cannot meet its defense or energy goals without more material mined and processed at home.” She emphasized that mineral security and national security are now “one conversation.”

Gold demand and value have climbed to historic heights, according to data from the World Gold Council. This surge is fueled by gold’s enduring status as a premier “safe-haven” asset, with the Council’s Gold Demand Trends report noting a staggering 140% year-over-year increase in U.S. investment demand. According to the Nevada Division of Minerals and the U.S. Geological Survey, Nevada remains the undisputed leader in domestic production, accounting for over 70% of all gold mined in the United States. In 2024 alone, the state’s gold output was valued at approximately $8.35 billion according to the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG), driving a wave of renewed exploration that accounts for over 82% of all mineral exploration expenditures across the Silver State’s major mining trends.

Nevada remains at the top of global rankings for mining investment, according to the Fraser Institute. Nevada Mining Association’s communications manager Drew McGregor attributes that to the Silver State’s long-term track record and steady approach.

“The reason why Nevada is always so high and number one on this year’s list is because we offer stability and we have consistency in our policies,” McGregor said. “We do have a lot of stringent regulations, but there’s a lot of consistency about it too.”

According to the Nevada Division of Minerals, Nevada produces approximately 70% of all gold mined in the United States. In 2024, the state recorded approximately $10.1 billion in total value for all commodities, which represents a 5.7% increase from the previous year.

McGregor said Nevada is uniquely positioned to serve as a primary hub, not just for extraction, but for the entire mineral supply chain. He highlighted a significant lack in the United States’ ability to process minerals like copper, suggesting that Nevada could fill this gap by expanding beyond raw production into refined processing.

Eureka County is viewed as a vital contributor to this promising mineral future. According to the Major Mines of Nevada 2024 report, the Carlin Operations (Eastern Nevada Operations), operated by Nevada Gold Mines, led the county’s output in 2024 by producing 786,129 ounces of gold and 33,497 ounces of silver. The county’s production was further bolstered by the Betze-Post Mine, which contributed 191,101 ounces of gold and 10,308 ounces of silver. Additionally, the Goldrush project produced 130,485 ounces of gold, while the Gold Bar Mine contributed 44,574 ounces of gold and 547 ounces of silver. The Ruby Hill Mine also added 3,200 ounces of gold and 4,800 ounces of silver to the county’s total.

Looking toward future viability, mine reserve data indicates that the Carlin Operations alone hold over 9.5 million ounces of gold in proven and probable reserves, according to the Barrick Gold Corporation 2024 Annual Report. 

Mining is a primary employer in rural Nevada, with an average yearly pay of approximately $119,000 — the third highest average in the state’s private employment sector. However, the industry faces a looming demographic shift. According to McGregor, by 2030, half of the workforce is expected to reach retirement age, creating a significant need for new engineers, equipment operators and environmental scientists.

Job opportunities are projected to be there for young people interested in a mining career, though McGregor admits the industry has work to do to overcome old perceptions of what modern-day mining work actually looks like.

“I think there are a lot of preconceived notions that you know, you might think you’re still coming to work with a pickaxe on your arm, or you know that it’s dangerous or that it hurts the environment,” he said, adding that modern roles are highly skilled, tech-heavy and about as safe as an office job. 

“There’s plenty of hazards on the mine site, but you know, the work to mitigate those, work to educate and just the culture we’ve built is phenomenal,” McGregor said.

McGregor addressed the stigma of environmental damage by explaining that Nevada has “some of the most stringent regulations anywhere in the world.” He emphasized that “professionals whose job it is to make sure we’re mining sustainably” are constantly monitoring air, water, land and wildlife. He also emphasized the industry’s commitment to reclamation to ensure mistakes from the past are not repeated. He noted that before a mine begins, it must “submit a post-closure plan and pay for it,” resulting in the state currently sitting on approximately $5 billion in reclamation bonds and other financial assurance.

Community engagement has also become a priority for operators. In Eureka, local mines have been key stakeholders in projects like the proposed Eureka Boys and Girls Club, which is set to include an Early Learning Center and a community gym. McGregor described these contributions as vital, given that mines are often the major employer in their respective communities. He also noted that unlike previous “boom and bust” cycles, the current growth comes from a fundamental change in government and public view of mineral security. 

“I think people are starting to get it more and more that we do need to mine those minerals here at home, because it’s going to provide for more jobs and more revenue, and it’s going to also allow us to start those domestic supply chains.”

He added, “I think that narrative overall is shifting in a way that’s going to allow the state to continue to keep producing minerals at a good rate.”