Nevada mining Needs future leaders

An educated and skilled workforce is the backbone of any great industry, and Nevada mining is no exception. The Silver State’s original STEM industry, mining has relied on its people to find innovative solutions to complex issues for over 150 years. Today’s miner relies on advanced technology and equipment to do their job, requiring them to enter the workforce with 21st century skills. The Nevada Mining Association and its membership is committed to do its part in setting Nevada’s students up for success. From raw materials that build schools and tech devices, to speaking at career days and hosting teacher workshops, to historic investments in K-12 education, mining is providing the needed resources to help the next generation thrive.

Every American born will need 3.19 million pounds of mined materials In their lifetime.

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Nevada’s Original STEM Industry

Mining has played a critical role in Nevada history, but many Nevadans do not know Nevada’s 21st-century mines play a huge role in the state, country, and world today.  An American born today will need more than three million pounds of mined materials in their lifetime.  From the gold that powers modern technology to the copper that threads our infrastructure, Nevada mines produce more than 11% of those materials.

We are committed to providing resources to enrich the classroom experience with up-to-date information and engaging lesson plans. Learn more about the minerals we produce in Nevada here. If you are a teacher, check out our minerals education workshops, lesson plans, or request a speaker for your classroom.

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Classroom Lessons

Developed in partnership with the American Geosciences Institute, the NVMA’s Earth science lesson plans are tailored for every grade level, with versions for K–12 students that connect Nevada’s unique geology and mining to classroom learning. Each lesson is aligned with state science and career readiness standards, using hands-on activities, interactive mapping tools, and real-world Nevada examples to engage students. To make implementation simple, lessons also provide preparation steps, discussion questions, and instructional guidance that support teachers every step of the way.

See the full list of classroom lessons here. 

Free Teacher Workshops

The Nevada Mining Association co-hosts two annual teacher workshops along with the Nevada Division of Minerals, geared to help K-12 educators learn about the state’s mining industry and geology through in-classroom lessons, activities, and field trips.

Learn more about the NVMA’s Teacher Workshops

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Investing in our Future

During the 2021 Nevada Legislative Session, the mining industry made a historic investment in K-12 education through the passage of Assembly Bill 495 (AB495). AB495 generates $300 million in revenue per biennium, specifically earmarked for Nevada schools through the newly created Mining Education Tax and the conversion of the state portion of the Net Proceeds on Minerals Tax. The bill creates a new partnership between Nevada mining and education and places the mining industry as first in line to help Nevada’s students.