Nevada became a state as a result of the gold and silver rushes of the 1850s. Since it was established in 1864, Nevada has continuously been home to mining, which is still an important part of the state’s economy. The mining industry in Nevada is responsible for providing much of the minerals American society depends on.
The Nevada Department of Business and Industry’s Division of Industrial Relations is responsible for the Mine Safety and Training Section (MSATS). The MSATS was established as a Legislative Act in 1909 in order to ensure safety for workers in the Nevada mining industry. Chapters 512 to 556 of the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) concern the inspection and safety of mines. Public hearings regarding the adopting, amending and repeals of regulations are held in locations such as Nevada community colleges.
In conjunction with the Nevada Office of the Secretary of State, Securities Division, the Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources, Division of Minerals warns against investing in phony mining scams. These entities warn against unsolicited, high-pressure telephone calls and anyone claiming to have confidential or inside information on the Nevada mining industry. Warnings are also given to inform you that brochures are sometimes misleading and may have information that is forged, fabricated and falsified.
In 2009 Nevada led the United States in the production of gold, providing 75 percent of the country’s gold. In the same year silver production was at 7.31 million ounces. In addition to gold and silver, many other elements are mined in Nevada, such as copper, mercury, precious opals and salt. In a single year’s time, $5.8 billion dollars was made from mineral commodities in the state.
The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology publishes a list of state and federal permits that must be obtained prior to mining in the state. Underground mining excavation sites are required, for instance, to apply for and obtain an air quality operating permit with a fee what varies from $300 to $50,000. Depending on the size and exact location of the mining site, a myriad of other permits are needed, such as one for the purchase, transport and/or storage of explosives.
