Nevada Community Reflects on Mining’s Important Contributions

For the residents of Elko, Nev., mining is a way of life for all. It creates jobs and supports the community. Since the 1970s, when mining first established itself in Elko, the town has become a flourishing community with a healthy economy, growing population and booming businesses. Among several mining companies in Nevada, Newmont Mining Corporation—a member of the National Mining Association—has had a presence in Elko for nearly 50 years, working alongside community members to impact not just the local economy, but the residents as well.

Take a look at what Elko residents have said themselves:

Chris Johnson, mayor of Elko:

“Before mining, it was pretty tough to get a job here. You mostly were probably going to have to leave the community and find employment elsewhere. Without mining, I don’t know that Elko would be today much more than 10,000 or 12,000 people. … Mining’s definitely been a real driver for Elko … and I see that continuing on for a long time to come.”

Delmo Andreozzi, Elko County commissioner:

Citing Newmont’s commitment to its community, Andreozzi stated, “They’re good civic and corporate stewards of the community … That permeates from the employees all the way through the organization. I think that that’s definitely had a positive impact in the Elko area… They’re constantly thinking about their home and community.”

Anita Anacabe-Franzoia, manager of Anacabe’s Elko General Merchandise:

“Mining is very important. I appreciate every customer that comes in this store, whether it be a rancher, whether it be a miner, whether it be a construction worker, whether it be a tourist… “It [mining] changed my entire mix of merchandise for sure… I never really approached the mines for contracts or did much of that. I just kept changing with the needs when they’d come in and ask for things. I’m becoming a boot store more than a clothing store and doing a lot more in safety, high-visibility clothing because some of the companies do give it to them but some of them want their own also.”

Elko is a prime example of mining’s contributions to cities and towns across the United States. The minerals mining industry has supported more than 1.2 million U.S. jobs and is projected to add between 11,000 and 13,000 jobs per year over the next 20 years, which will lead to growth in related downstream industries, putting hundreds of thousands of people to work.

To read more from Elko’s residents continue reading here.