Nevada Mining Association announces 2023 Operator Safety Award recipients

Recipients demonstrate an industry-wide commitment to safe mining operations.

RENO, Nev. (Aug. 2, 2023) – The Nevada Mining Association (NVMA) announced the recipients of its 2023 Mine Operator Safety Awards, which celebrate Nevada’s mining operators showcasing an exceptional commitment to safety in the workplace.

“We couldn’t be happier to recognize the incredible award recipients that have gone above and beyond to enforce safe work environments,” said NVMA Interim President, Dana Bennett. “Safety is the number one priority in Nevada’s mining industry, and the attention to detail that these operators have shown to ensure each team member returns home safely after each shift is truly impeccable.”

Awards are given to the top mines in designated categories based on their annual safety performance, which is calculated through a formula that factors the total of annual hours worked, lost-time incidents, number of reportable injuries, and severity based on lost work days. Many recipients recorded the impressive “triple zero” – no reportable injuries, lost time incidents, or restrictive days.

The Operator Safety Awards are based on performance in the previous calendar year and data provided by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). This year, 33 operators in total received an award.

In addition to the Operator Awards, the NVMA also recognized 47 individuals for their commitment to workplace safety through its Individual Safety Awards. Recipients of both categories will be recognized during an awards ceremony at the Nevada Mining Association Convention on Friday, Sept. 8 in Lake Tahoe.

Surface Operations:

Large – 300+ employees

First: Round Mountain, Kinross Gold Corp.

Second: Bald Mountain Mine, KG Mining Inc.

Third: Marigold Mine, SSR Mining

 

Medium – 100-299 employees

First: Mill 6, Nevada Gold Mines

Second: Roaster Operations, Nevada Gold Mines

Third: Florida Canyon, Argonaut Gold

 

Small – 20-99 employees

First: Relief Canyon Mine, Americas Gold & Silver

First: Hycroft, Hycroft Mining

First: Bald Mountain, South Ops, KG Mining Inc.

First: Isabella Pearl Mine, Walker Lane Minerals

 

 

Underground Operations:

Large – 300+ employees

First: Turquoise Ridge, Nevada Gold Mines

Second: Meikle Mine, Nevada Gold Mines

Third: Leeville, Nevada Gold Mines

 

Medium – 100-299 employees

First: Lee Smith Mine, Small Mine Development

Second: Exodus, Nevada Gold Mines

Third: SSX Mine, Small Mine Development

 

Small – 20-99 employees

First: Fire Creek, Hecla Nevada Mining

First: Twin Underground, Nevada Gold Mines

First: El Nino, Nevada Gold Mines

 

 

Non-Metal Mining Category

First: Apex Quarry, Lhoist North America

First: Colado Plant, US Silica

First: Empire Mine, Empire Mining Co.

First: Adams Claim, Arcosa Specialty Materials

First: Pilot Peak, Graymont Western US

First: Pabco Gypsum, Pabco Building Products

 

 

Aggregate Category

First: Ames Backfill Portable Crusher, Ames Construction Inc.

First: Lockwood Quarry, Granite Construction Company

First: Mustang Quarry, Q&D Construction LLC

 

Contractors Category

First: Nevada Operations, Ames Construction

First: Nevada Operations, Sandvik Mining and Construction

First: Turquoise Ridge, Small Mine Development

First: Vista Underground, Small Mine Development

First: Leeville, Small Mine Development