STATELINE, Nev. – The Nevada Mining Association (NVMA) brought together more than 800 industry members and leaders in Lake Tahoe this week for its 2026 Annual Convention. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Nevada,” framed a program focused on the industry’s long history in the Silver State and the opportunities ahead.
For more than 40 years, the NVMA has hosted its annual convention along the shores of Lake Tahoe, connecting mine operators, suppliers, contractors and leaders from across the Silver State and beyond. This year’s gathering came as Nevada continues to stand out globally, ranking first in the Fraser Institute’s 2025 Annual Survey of Mining Companies for investment attractiveness and playing an increasingly important role in the national conversation around critical minerals and domestic mineral production.
“Mining’s roots run deep in Nevada, and you can see that strength in the people who continue to move it forward,” said Amanda Hilton, President of NVMA. “Nevada has generations of expertise behind it and tremendous opportunity in front of it. As new projects advance and demand grows for the minerals our country depends on, we have a chance to build on that foundation and keep Nevada leading for generations to come.”
The convention welcomed Governor Joe Lombardo and retiring U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei, bringing state and federal perspectives to conversations around Nevada’s economy and the future of mining. Attendees also heard from Jon Ralston, CEO of The Nevada Independent, who joined President Hilton for a conversation on Nevada’s 2026 General Election and political landscape as the state approaches its 84th Legislative Session in 2027.
During the State of the Nevada Mining Industry luncheon, Jeremy Aguero, Principal Analyst with Applied Analysis, presented updated data on mining’s economic footprint and outlook. The 2026 report found that in 2025, mining supported more than 30,600 jobs across Nevada, with an average annual wage of $127,200, climbing more than 21% since 2005 and maintaining some of the state’s highest average private-sector wages. Mining also paid a record $686 million in taxes in 2025, driven in large part by industry-specific taxes such as the Net Proceeds of Minerals Tax and Gold and Silver Excise Tax, both earmarked for education.
The convention’s General Manager Panel continued the day’s conversations, featuring leaders from Florida Canyon Mine, McEwen Mining and AngloGold Ashanti North America, who discussed the opportunities and challenges shaping mining operations across Nevada and what lies ahead.
Other events that took place included a session on the evolving regulatory and policy environment impacting Nevada’s mining industry; a fundraiser for The Discovery, Northern Nevada’s hands-on science and technology museum; and a golf tournament at Incline Village Golf Course.
The convention concluded by celebrating the people and operations setting the standard for safety. NVMA recognized 45 of Nevada’s leaders in safety through the 2026 Individual Safety Awards, along with 27 mine operations and six contractors through the 2026 Mine Operator and Contractor Safety Awards for outstanding safety performance. The Nevada Division of Minerals also presented its annual Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards, recognizing SSR Marigold Mine and Nevada Gold Mines Rain Mine North Waste Rock Disposal Facility for exemplary work in responsible reclamation and post-mine land use.
“The people and operations we recognized this year set the standard for how this work should be done, from protecting their teams to caring for the land they mine,” Hilton said. “That kind of leadership represents the very best of mining, and it’s a big part of why Nevada continues to stand out in this industry.”
To learn more about NVMA’s century of work supporting an industry central to the Silver State’s economy and identity, visit nevadamining.org.
