Mining is the largest industry in rural Nevada and a major contributor to the state's revenue:
- Nevada production accounts for 87% of the total US gold production and is the third largest producer in the world behind South Africa and Australia.
- Nevada also leads the nation in barite and gypsum production.
- Other significant mineral production includes copper, sand, gravel, limestone, diatomaceous earth and specialty clays.
- In 2004, Nevada mining directly employed 11,690 people at an average wage of $63,388.
- An additional 51,000 jobs were made possible by vendors of goods and services to the industry.
- Nevada mining provides approximately 100 million dollars in state tax revenue every year. Thatʼs enough to buy one new high school ($51M),300,000 text books ($20M),150 new school buses ($12M)and pay for 400 teachers' annual salaries ($17M).
