Mining & Mineral Permits in Nevada

Gold

Nevada produces ~5.6 million ounces annually, primarily from the Carlin Trend, Cortez Hills, and Turquoise Ridge. Major operators include Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick/Newmont JV), Kinross, and Coeur Mining.

Silver

Nevada is the nation's leading silver producer, with major production from Coeur Rochester, Pan American Silver, and as a byproduct of gold mining. The Comstock Lode launched Nevada's mining heritage in 1859.

Lithium

Nevada hosts the only active lithium mine in the US (Silver Peak, Albemarle) and the Thacker Pass project (Lithium Americas) — potentially the largest lithium deposit in North America. Critical for EV batteries and energy storage.

Copper

Growing copper production at operations like Robinson Mine (KGHM) and exploration-stage projects. Nevada's porphyry copper deposits are increasingly important as global demand rises for electrification infrastructure.

Geothermal

Nevada has more geothermal power plants than any other state — over 500 MW of installed capacity from 25+ plants. The Great Basin's volcanic geology produces some of the best geothermal resources on Earth.

Required before drilling any geothermal well for exploration, production, or injection. Applications must include well design, casing program, blowout prevention equipment specifications, and drilling mud program. NDOM reviews and inspects all geothermal operations. Permits are site-specific and non-transferable without NDOM approval.

Required for all oil and gas exploration and production wells drilled in Nevada. NDOM regulates well spacing, production reporting, well completion, and plugging/abandonment. Nevada has modest but growing oil production, primarily in Railroad Valley (Nye County). All operators must post a bond before drilling begins.

Lithium and other dissolved minerals extracted from brine or geothermal fluids are regulated under a separate framework from traditional hard-rock mining. The State Engineer has jurisdiction over lithium-bearing groundwater. Extraction permits may require water right appropriation, environmental review, and BLM approval if on federal land.

Any mining or exploration that disturbs more than 5 acres requires a reclamation permit from NDEP/BMRR. The permit includes a detailed reclamation plan, financial surety (bond), and ongoing monitoring. Covers all surface disturbance: roads, drill pads, open pits, waste rock, tailings, and heap leach facilities. Bond amounts are calculated based on estimated reclamation costs.

All producing mines in Nevada must file annual production reports with NDOM. This data is used to calculate the Net Proceeds of Mines tax (5% of net proceeds). Reports include gross production, sales revenue, allowable deductions, and employment data. Due by March 1 for the previous calendar year.