Mining FAQs

Nevada mines produce over 20 essential minerals. The state is an international leader in gold production in addition to producing large quantities of silver, copper, diatomite, and gypsum. Nevada is also home to the only operating lithium mine in the United States.

More information about the minerals mined in Nevada and their uses is available here and here.

The Nevada mining industry is one of the world’s most regulated industries and is required to follow a stringent set of laws and regulations before, during, and after operation. Before a shovel breaks ground, mines go through a rigorous permitting and review process that can take upwards of a decade to complete. Mines are also required to submit a post-closure reclamation plan and bond payment. The state of Nevada currently holds over $3.3 billion in mine reclamation bonding.

During operation, mines are consistently monitoring area water, soil, and air quality to ensure that standards are met, and potential wildlife issues are mitigated. Following the closure of a mine, an operator is required by law to continue to oversee the location to ensure that reclamation plans are successful, and as much of the area as possible can be returned to nature and the public.

Like constructing a building or driving a car, mining does have an environmental impact. However, a combination of strong regulations and industry commitment makes Nevada one of the world’s most responsible mining jurisdictions.

Mines only operate on roughly 0.3% of the state’s 70.8 million acres. Of that number, only a small portion is utilized for actual mining.

Metal Mines – 39
Industrial Mineral Mines – 70
Gemstone Mines – 3
Geothermal – 22
Oil – 11

Nevada Active Mines and Energy Producers

Click here for a list of major mine operators across the state and their locations.

Mining companies pay all local, state, and federal taxes as well as two mining-specific taxes. These include:

The Net Proceeds of Minerals (NPOM) Tax Mining is one of only four industries in Nevada with industry-specific taxes that must be paid in addition to all other business taxes. More than half of NPOM tax revenue goes to the State Education Fund. The remainder goes to the county in which the minerals were produced. This tax totaled $189 million in 2020, up from $122.7 million in 2019 and $125.9 million in 2018.

Mining Education Tax (Gold and Silver Excise Tax)
During the 81st (2021) Nevada Legislative Session, the Mining Education Tax was created. The new tax imposed solely on gold and silver operators created the first direct funding source for education in Nevada history. The Mining Education Tax is anticipated to gross $80 million annually and go directly into the State Education Fund. Combined with the Net Proceeds of Minerals, an estimated $168.5 million go directly into the State Education Fund.

Property taxes, which are paid on property, plants, and facilities, stay almost exclusively in the counties and special tax districts where mines are located. Property taxes from the mining industry totaled 31.2 million in 2020.

Sales and use taxes are distributed throughout the state per capita. In addition, a small amount goes to the state’s General Fund and to school districts. These taxes totaled $111.9 million in 2020.

Payroll taxes, called Modified Business taxes, are assessed on businesses’ overall payroll. Mining contributed roughly $22.9 million in 2020.

Mines have career opportunities for people of all education levels. In addition to mining-specific roles, operators also need the same positions as other industries, including HR professionals, administrative employees, lawyers, and more. Visit the link below for a list of current openings across the state.

Career Center