Amanda, tell us about your personal story and what led you to the mining industry.
In 2004, the Robinson Mine, Nevada's largest copper mine, located just outside of Ely, reopened. It is a legacy operation with over 120 years of mining activities. Ely happens to be my hometown, so I took a leap of faith and applied for an accounting position at the mine to move back home. As a CPA with extensive accounting experience but no mining background, I began my career as a junior accountant and gradually expanded my responsibilities to become the manager of taxation for the company. This role allowed me to live in Ely while doing tax work for entities across the country, showcasing the global reach of mining companies.
Eventually, I became the site's first female manager, handling accounting, supply chain, IT, and business improvement as the administration manager. During this period, the company's COO asked about my career plans, and I bravely expressed my desire to be the site's general manager. Despite being an unconventional candidate with an accounting, not engineering background, he created a development plan for me. This plan provided the experiences I needed to become a viable general manager candidate, leading to my appointment as the site's first female general manager, a role I held for six and a half years. In January of this year, I transitioned to lead the Nevada Mining Association, driven by my passion for the industry and the potential for personal fulfillment.
Would you say that Nevada is still the ‘Silver state’ or has it become something else, perhaps the ‘Lithium state;?
Nevada produces 20 different minerals, including four critical minerals, one of which is lithium. We are home to the only producing lithium mine in the country, the Silver Peak property, which has been mined for over 60 years. I recently visited this mine and was impressed by their process. However, it is important to note that only 1% of the world's lithium is produced in Nevada and the U.S. There are two other advanced lithium projects in Nevada: the Thacker Pass property and Ioneer's Ryan Light Ridge project. Thacker Pass has received all its permits and is in the final stages of financing, with production anticipated in 2027. Ioneer's project is in the final permitting stage and is expected to begin construction soon.
Beyond lithium, Nevada produces significant amounts of gold, silver, and copper. While Alaska produces more silver, Nevada is a leading jurisdiction for mining, known for its strong and predictable regulations. This makes it one of the most mining-friendly states in the U.S.
Could Nevada become a significant global player in lithium?
Over the next several years, Nevada has the potential to become a significant global player in lithium production. However, the permitting process in the U.S. and Nevada is rigorous, often taking 10-plus years from discovery to production. Currently, there is substantial lithium exploration in Nevada, with around 20 projects active in the past year, indicating high interest and activity in the sector.
Copper is another metal critical for the green transition? Could you tell us more about copper mining in Nevada?
Copper is indeed crucial, and Nevada is a significant producer. I came from GHM's Robinson mine, the state's largest copper producer, which continually seeks to expand operations. Another operating copper mine is the Phoenix Mine, owned by Nevada Gold Mines, producing copper concentrate and copper cathode. There is ongoing copper exploration in the state, though a significant barrier is the need to send most copper concentrate overseas for final processing, typically to Asia. Establishing domestic processing capabilities would be beneficial for Nevada and the U.S.
Do you feel the government's support for building out the mining supply chain, particularly for critical minerals like lithium and copper?
The Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development is very focused on building out the mining supply chain for various minerals, including lithium. The federal government, through the Department of Energy, has also been supportive with loans and grants for critical mineral producers. Both Lithium Americas and Ioneer have received Department of Energy funding, indicating federal support for these initiatives.
As you suggested, Nevada is known for its accommodating permitting process. What is behind this reputation?
While Nevada's permitting process is accommodating, it is also rigorous and considered the world standard for permitting and reclamation. Other jurisdictions look to Nevada as a model for best practices. The process is well-defined through regulation, with experienced permit writers ensuring that mining projects follow best practices. Projects undergo federal, state, and sometimes local permitting, requiring significant baseline studies and a fact-driven, scientific approach. Despite its rigor, the clear and predictable process significantly mitigates risks for mining companies.
What is the Association doing to address the issue of attract young labor force to the industry?
In 2022, the United States graduated approximately 350 mining engineers, while China graduated 5,000. To keep up, we need to encourage students to pursue careers in mining. Currently, mining school graduates receive multiple offers due to high demand and low supply. This issue exists at both the professional and technical levels, such as for welders, electricians, and diesel mechanics. Many experienced tradespeople are retiring, creating a significant skills gap. In Nevada, we support the Mackay School of Mines at the University of Nevada, Reno, financially and through internships and opportunities. Additionally, community colleges across the state provide technical training to high school students and graduates in fields like welding, electrical work, and diesel mechanics, especially in rural communities where mining is prevalent.
The association holds teacher workshops, offering hands-on training and mine site tours to help teachers understand and convey modern mining practices. This helps change outdated perceptions of the industry. Another exciting initiative is the Girl Scout Patch project, where Girl Scouts learn about Nevada mining through various activities. We are refreshing this program to provide more hands-on opportunities and tours to mine sites. These efforts aim to spark interest in mining among young people and build a future workforce.
What are the key priorities for the Association for the next couple of years?
This association, in existence since 1913, is one of Nevada's premier associations with a strong reputation. A key priority is to engage with all geographic regions of the state. Although mining primarily occurs in rural Nevada, its impact affects the entire state. In 2022, the mining industry contributed $12.7 billion to Nevada’s economy and employed 35,000 people. Mining is the only industry in Nevada that pays a tax directly funding education statewide. Therefore, we need to ensure active engagement with community leaders throughout Nevada, developing relationships to become a trusted source of information about the industry and its importance.
Another critical priority is workforce development. We must continue building the workforce of the future by highlighting the exciting and technological aspects of modern mining. People need to understand that mining involves advanced technologies, such as equipment operated autonomously or remotely.
Sparking interest in future employees is essential for the industry’s success. Additionally, we focus on working with elected officials. As a non-partisan organization, we aim to build relationships and be a trusted resource for any elected official, ensuring our industry’s needs and contributions are well understood and supported.
