Mining and Renewable Energy in Nevada

Mining and Renewable Energy in Nevada

Nevada is both one of the top mining states in the U.S. and a growing leader in renewable energy production. These sectors highlight the state’s dual identity—rich in traditional extractive industries while also investing in a more sustainable energy future.

Together, mining and renewables play a central role in Nevada’s economy, workforce development, and environmental planning.

Mining in Nevada

Nevada has been a mining powerhouse since the discovery of the Comstock Lode in the 19th century. Today, the state continues to lead the nation in:

• **Gold production** (nearly 80% of all U.S. gold)
• **Silver, copper, and barite extraction**
• **Lithium and rare earth minerals**, which are vital to battery storage and clean energy technology

Major Mining Regions

• **Carlin Trend**: One of the world’s richest gold deposits (Elko and Eureka Counties)
• **Walker Lane**: Includes gold, silver, and lithium exploration in western Nevada
• **Thacker Pass**: Site of a major proposed lithium mine in Humboldt County

Key Minerals

• Gold and silver (precious metals)
• Copper and molybdenum (industrial uses)
• Lithium (batteries, electric vehicles)
• Barite and gypsum (construction and manufacturing)

Economic Impact

• Thousands of jobs, especially in rural counties
• Mining taxes fund state and local services
• Nevada's mining industry contributes billions to GDP

Environmental Oversight

• Mines are regulated by state (Division of Minerals, NDEP) and federal agencies (BLM)
• Reclamation plans and environmental assessments are required for new and expanded mines

Renewable Energy in Nevada

Nevada’s high solar exposure, geothermal activity, and open land make it a natural leader in clean energy.

Renewable Energy Types

• **Solar** – Utility-scale solar farms in southern Nevada and increasing rooftop installations
• **Geothermal** – Basins in Churchill and Washoe counties are among the most productive geothermal fields in the country
• **Wind** – Limited but present in eastern and northern Nevada
• **Hydropower** – Minor contribution, mostly from Hoover Dam (shared with other states)

Energy Goals

• Nevada's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires **50% renewable energy by 2030**
• Voter-approved constitutional amendment (Question 6) reinforces this commitment

Major Projects

• **Copper Mountain Solar** – One of the largest solar farms in the U.S., located near Boulder City
• **Ormat Technologies** – A major geothermal operator in western and central Nevada
• **Gigafactories and data centers** – Tech companies are increasingly demanding clean power for their facilities

Economic and Environmental Benefits

• Job creation in construction, maintenance, and tech development
• Energy independence and grid stability
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel reliance

Intersections: Lithium and the Clean Energy Economy

Nevada’s lithium reserves are a key bridge between mining and renewable energy:

• Lithium is essential for EV batteries and solar storage
• Projects like **Thacker Pass** and **Silver Peak** position Nevada as a domestic source of a strategic mineral
• Tensions exist between development, Indigenous land rights, and environmental protection

Challenges and Considerations

• **Water usage**: Both mining and solar operations can strain limited water resources
• **Land conflict**: Renewable projects may compete with conservation goals or sacred lands
• **Transmission infrastructure**: Expanding the grid is essential to connect renewable energy to population centers
• **Boom-bust cycles**: Mining regions may face volatility tied to global commodity prices