American mines not only produce materials essential to lives but they also provide community-supporting jobs. Mine expansions, along with the opening of new mines, are gamechangers for mining communities. Coeur Mining’s proposed expansion of its Rochester open pit silver and gold mine fits into that category. The mine expansion would increase production and continue operations through the mid-2030s.
Located in Pershing County, Nevada, approximately 26 miles northeast of the town of Lovelock, Rochester has been in operation since 1986. In a town where the economy remains reliant on farming and mining, Rochester is Pershing County’s largest employer, with about 50 percent of the workforce coming from Lovelock.
The Rochester Mine has been an important contributor to the Pershing County economy and community for over 30 years, generating over $14 million annually in taxes, employment, and labor-related income revenue to the County. In 2017, the mine produced 4.7 million ounces of silver and 51,051 ounces of gold.
If approved by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), construction would begin in 2020. Coeur would expand waste rock storage areas, extend the Rochester and neighboring Nevada Packard open pits, install new heap leach facilities, construct new crushing systems and process plants. Additional improvements include power and other infrastructure upgrades.
Rochester is expected to continue to be profitable and act as a contributor to the Pershing County economy and community for many years to come.