Golconda, Nev. — As the United States looks ahead to its 250th birthday, a appear at Nevada’s mining industry reveals a key component of both American history and its economic future.
Turquoise Ridge, located about an hour’s drive past Winnemucca, is one of over 100 mines in rural Nevada and a major gold producer. The mine is a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Newmont Mining and has been operating underground since the 1990s, following earlier open pit operations that began in the 1930s near the Getchell mine.
Deep Underground Operations
Unlike open pit mines, the gold at Turquoise Ridge is extracted from ore thousands of feet below the surface. Miners descend through a third shaft that reaches a depth of 3,150 feet, navigating a network of tunnels. Jumbo drill operators, like Marco Castaneda, prepare rock faces for blasting by drilling dozens of holes in precise patterns.
After explosives are detonated remotely, 45-ton haul trucks transport the ore to a conveyor system that carries it to the surface. Above ground, the ore undergoes processing in autoclaves – large pressure vessels – to extract the gold, with remaining material sent to a tailings dam.
A Legacy of Mining in Nevada
Roughly 900 employees and contractors at Turquoise Ridge produce around 500,000 ounces of gold annually. This continues a mining tradition in Nevada that dates back to the mid-1800s and the Comstock Lode in Virginia City.
Amanda Hilton, president of the Nevada Mining Association, noted that “the culture and the economics of mining have been in Nevada before we even had statehood.” UNR history professor Dr. Eric Nystrom explained that the Comstock Lode’s silver discovery spurred further exploration and discovery in the region, with each find leading to others.
While silver initially brought fame to the Comstock, Nevada now mines over 20 elements, including lithium. Though, gold remains the state’s most valuable mineral. In 2024, Nevada produced 3.5 million ounces of gold – more than 70% of the country’s total output – and 5.4 million ounces of silver.
The total value of all minerals mined in Nevada reached $12.6 billion last year, supporting approximately 30,000 jobs. Hilton also stated that mining is now considered one of the safest industries in Nevada, with safety statistics comparable to the finance industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Turquoise Ridge expected to remain operational?
According to Anton Kruger, the general manager of Turquoise Ridge, the mine currently has a “mine life stretching up to 2050.”
What is the depth of the third shaft at Turquoise Ridge?
The third shaft at Turquoise Ridge drops more than a half mile underground, reaching a maximum depth of 3,150 feet.
How does Nevada’s mineral production compare to the rest of the United States?
In 2024, Nevada produced more than 70% of the gold mined in the United States, and also produced 5.4 million ounces of silver.
As Nevada continues to evolve, its mining industry remains a vital part of its past, present, and future. What role do you think mineral resources will play in shaping the future of the American West?
