SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Sen. Harry Reid this week applauded the decision of the Bureau of Land Management to approve a planned expansion of the Kinross Gold mining operation at Round Mountain in Nye County.
This expansion makes sure that 750 high-paying mining jobs will stay in Nevada. The project will also lead to more than 50 new jobs for contractors this year, some of whom are already working on the expansion.
The Round Mountain expansion will increase the existing mine’s boundary by 3,122 acres to a total of 10,385 acres and add an additional 4,928 acres to accommodate the new facilities. Kinross’s operation at Round Mountain is the largest private employer and private tax payer in Nye County.
“This is a great thing for Nevada and for Nye County,” said Reid. “The BLM has chosen to protect mining jobs and ensure at least a decade of economic security for this area. Over the years, Kinross has contributed much to the local communities and it will now continue to employ hardworking Nevadans in one of the state’s most robust industries.”
“This is great news for the 750 employees at our Round Mountain operation,” said Tye W. Burt, president and chief executive officer, Kinross Gold Corporation. “This remarkable mine has been providing jobs and economic benefits to the people of Nye County since 1977, and we can now look forward to more years of responsible operation. It took a lot of work and consultation with many stakeholders to get here, and we are especially appreciative of the support of Senator Reid throughout the process.”
“It’s a relief to know that our community is not going to be torn apart by the loss of jobs,” said Nye County Commissioner Lorinda Wichman. “This action will help keep our community whole. Round Mountain Gold has been a fantastic neighbor for almost 30 years. I appreciate Senator Reid’s help in pushing this through and BLM Director Bob Abbey, as well as the local BLM office in Nye County who were very responsive and helpful.”
