3 minute read
By Tyre Gray, Esq., Nevada Mining Association President
Nevada’s Mining Industry Can Help Turn the Silver State Green
By Tyre Gray, Esq.
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President of the Nevada Mining Association
Nevada mining has produced minerals and materials that we use every day for more than 150 years. The 20-plus minerals that are mined in the state can be found in thousands of items including electronic devices, methods of transportation and more. These materials help provide the means for society to innovate and improve.
The mining industry has remained a consistent bright spot that creates opportunities for our communities statewide. This includes Nevada mining being at the forefront of our renewable future, supporting the continued emergence of our Silver State as America’s green energy capital.
The United States has recently been forced to reevaluate its current energy dependence on adversarial nations, with a renewed emphasis on a domestic transition towards renewable sources. If the country is serious about energy independence, it must commit to the development of a national supply chain, starting with the building block of everything we use: minerals. That goal can be achieved by turning to Nevada and its modern mining industry.
Whenever green energy is discussed, conversations quickly turn towards lithium. This mineral – which powers smartphones, laptops, and tablets – will be instrumental in the production of electric vehicle batteries. Last year, President Biden set an ambitious goal for 50% of all U.S. auto sales to be electric by 2030. In 2021, that number was only 4%. As electric vehicle demand increases, estimates suggest that lithium production will need to quadruple 2021 output.
The answer to America’s lithium gap can be found in Nevada. The state is currently home to the country’s only operating lithium mine, which represents around 1% of global production. While that number is small, deposits are being discovered across the state, with just under 15,000 active claims. Projects like the Thacker Pass Mine, located in northern Humboldt County, is just one of a number of operations nearing shovel readiness that can turn Nevada into one of the world’s leading lithium producers.
While lithium will be a major part of the transition to renewables, demand for other Nevada minerals will be critical as well. For example, copper will be needed for the production of solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Silver and gold will also be necessary for assisting in sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions.
Anti-mining advocates will argue two things: that mining cannot be done in an environmentally sustainable way and that expediting projects will not allow time for proper review.
The reality is that no one mines better than we do in Nevada. The state is consistently regarded as one of the world’s best mining jurisdictions because it is highly regulated, both at the state and federal level. Before a shovel breaks ground, operations are required to submit post-closure reclamation plans and payment to the state of Nevada.
Currently, the state possesses nearly $3.4 billion dollars in reclamation bonds. During operation, mines monitor air, water, and soil over 100 times per day, with measurements required to meet government-set standards. Steps are also taken to protect local ecosystems, vegetation, water, and wildlife. In short, if a Nevada operation cannot mine the right way, they will not be able to remain open, nor should they.
Nevada’s modern day mining industry has the capabilities and reclamation procedures in place to aide in the transition to renewable energy and to be part of the solution to our current energy crisis. The time is now to push for energy independence and make Nevada America’s green energy capitol, creating a better future for not only Nevadans, but also Americans across the country.
Walter J. Vetter, AAMS
Financial Advisor
Jordan Vetter
Financial Advisor
