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January 23, 2008

Mining claim filings increased 18.0% in 2007 over 2006 according to the Nevada Division of Minerals.  Nevada's county recorders registered 213,039 mining claim filings in 2007.  The number of mining claim filings is comparable to, but does not duplicate, the number of active claims reported annually by the BLM.  The 18.0% increase in 2007 follows increases of 8.2% in 2006, and 14.3% in 2005.  Elko County had the most filings with 35,710, followed by Eureka with 34,533, and then Humboldt with 29,735.  For further information concerning mining claim filings visit the Division's website at http://minerals.state.nv.us or call Doug Driesner at 775/684-7046.

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CORRECTED PRESS RELEASE
May 1, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Driesner at (775) 684-7046

NEVADA MINERAL PRODUCTION VALUE SETS ALL-TIME RECORD

NEVADA CONTINUES TO BE NATION’S TOP GOLD PRODUCER

Nevada’s mining industry set an all-time record in 2006 for total value of mined commodities. The total value was about $5.1 billion, according to company reports compiled by the Nevada Division of Minerals. This is a $1.4 billion increase over the 2005 value of about $3.7 billion.

Production value was led by gold mining. Nevada’s mines produced 6.305 million ounces of gold in 2006, down from the 2005 production level of 6.85 million ounces. However, because the average price of gold increased from $445 per ounce in 2005 to $603 per ounce in 2006, the total value increased significantly. The calculated value of the 2006 gold production was about $3.80 billion, up from $3.05 billion in 2005.

Nevada continues to be the nation’s top gold producing state, contributing 78% of the U.S. gold production. Nevada produced 12% of the total world gold production, outranked only by the countries of South Africa, Australia, and China.

Nevada’s copper production in 2006 was 127.5 million pounds, with a calculated value of $389 million based on an average price of $3.05 per pound. Silver production fell to 8.45 million ounces, down from the 2005 production level of 9.95 million ounces, but value of production rose to $98 million from $73 million in 2005 based on an average silver price in 2006 of $11.54 per ounce.

Industrial mineral production increased in 2006. The total value of Nevada’s industrial minerals, which include aggregates, barite, clays, diatomite, dolomite, gypsum, lime and limestone, lithium compounds, magnesium compounds, mercury, molybdenum, opals, perlite, salt and silica sand, was about $860 million, up from about $560 million in 2005.

“This increase in the value of all mined commodities indicates Nevada’s mining companies continue to make a significant and growing contribution to the state’s economy,” said Governor Jim Gibbons.

According to Alan Coyner, the Administrator of the Division of Minerals, mineral exploration activity picked up significantly in 2006, which should lead to additional discoveries and production in the future.

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September 9, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE;
CONTACT; ALAN R. COYNER or DOUG DRIESNER (775) 684-7040

NEVADA EXCELLENCE IN MINE RECLAMATION AWARD WINNER NAMED

(Reno, Nevada) The Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Award was presented to one mining company for its accomplishments in restoring and preserving Nevada’s environment at the annual Nevada Mining Association Convention, held September 7, 8, and 9, 2006 at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village.

• Newmont Mining Corporation received the award for wildlife habitat enhancement at their Bootstrap Mine. Newmont Mining Corporation’s unique design and revegetation strategy has created an extremely wildlife friendly site. Their use of variable topography and native seed mixes has allowed wildlife to rapidly repopulate the mine area. The waste rock disposal areas at the Bootstrap Mine are an excellent example of proactive concurrent mine reclamation and successful post-mining land use for enhanced wildlife habitat.

“Nevada’s mining industry should be commended for leading the way in successful reclamation and environmental protection,” said Alan Coyner, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Minerals.

The Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards are given cooperatively by the Nevada Division of Minerals, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and United States Forest Service. Fifty one projects and six individuals have been recognized since the awards program began in 1990. For more information about mining in Nevada, call the Division of Minerals at 775-684-7040 (Carson City) or 702 486-4343 (Las Vegas), or visit their web site at minerals.state.nv.us

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April 25, 2006
For immediate release
Contact:  Doug Driesner at (775) 684-7046

NEVADA REMAINS NATION’S TOP GOLD PRODUCER
Value of all mined commodities sets new record

            Nevada mines produced 6.852 million ounces of gold in 2005, according to company reports compiled by the Nevada Division of Minerals.  While the production level is down approximately 1% from 2004, Nevada remains the nation’s top gold producing state, contributing 85% of the U.S. total.

            The calculated value of the 2005 gold production is about $3.05 billion, up from $2.84 billion in 2004.  This is based on an increase in the average gold price in 2005 to $445 per ounce, up from $410 per ounce in 2004.

            Nevada’s silver production in 2005 was 9.946 million ounces, down slightly from the 10.299 million ounces in 2004.  Based on an average silver price in 2005 of $7.32 per ounce, the calculated value of Nevada’s silver production was $73 million, up from $69 million in 2004.

            Industrial mineral production increased in 2005.  The total value of Nevada’s industrial minerals, which include aggregates, barite, clays, copper, diatomite, dolomite, gypsum, lime and limestone, lithium compounds, magnesium compounds, mercury, opals, perlite, salt and silica sand was about $560 million, up from about $360 million in 2004.

            The total value of all mined commodities in 2005 was about $3.7 billion, the highest ever recorded.  This is a $400 million increase over the 2004 value of about $3.3 billion.

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April 3, 2006
For Immediate Release:
CONTACT: ALAN R. COYNER, (775) 684-7047

GOVERNOR GUINN APPOINTS NEW MEMBER TO THE COMMISSION ON MINERAL RESOURCES

(CARSON CITY, NEVADA) Governor Kenny Guinn recently announced the appointment of John Mudge to the Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources. He represents large-scale mining on the Commission.

Mr. Mudge is the Director of Environmental Affairs and Social Responsibility for Newmont Mining Corporation. He is responsible for permitting, compliance reclamation and external relations at Newmont’s mines in North America. Newmont is one of the world’s largest gold mining companies and approximately 1/3 of its production comes from mines in northern Nevada. In Nevada, Newmont currently employs approximately 3200 people and operates eight open pits and five underground mines.

Mr. Mudge has a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from University of Idaho and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada Reno. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Mining Association, UNR Mackay School Executive Advisory Board, Industry Advisory Group for the International Cyanide Code, and Resource Advisory Committee for the Bureau of Land Management. He is president elect of the Board for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The Commission on Mineral Resources establishes policy for the Division of Minerals, and advises the governor and legislature on mining, oil, geothermal, and other mineral resource issues. Other members of the Commission are Chairman Fred D. Gibson, Jr. (general public), Vice Chairman Ron Parratt (exploration and development), Dennis Bryan (small-scale mining and prospecting), Richard DeLong (large-scale mining), Patrick Fagan (geothermal resources), and Gene Kozlowski (oil and gas resources). Additional information about the Commission on Mineral Resources or the Division of Minerals can be found on the Division’s website at http://minerals.state.nv.us.

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September 10, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ALAN R. COYNER or DOUG DRIESNER (775) 684-7040

NEVADA EXCELLENCE IN MINE RECLAMATION AWARD WINNERS NAMED

(RENO, NEVADA) The Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards were presented to three mining companies for their accomplishments in restoring and preserving Nevada’s environment at the annual Nevada Mining Association Convention, held September 8, 9, and 10, 2005 at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village.

• Rosebud Mining Company received the Overall Mine Reclamation award for their reclamation success at the Rosebud Mine in Pershing County. The Rosebud Mine was a joint venture between Hecla Mining Company and Newmont Mining Corporation, with Hecla as the operator. The underground mine operated from 1997 to 2000. Due to its impressive work in concurrent reclamation, wildlife habitat enhancement, recontouring and revegetation, and closure plan development and implementation, Rosebud Mining Company was awarded the Overall Mine Reclamation award.
• Turquoise Ridge Joint Venture was given an award in the category of Innovation in Reclamation Techniques for their work at their Turquoise Ridge Mine in Humboldt County. The Turquoise Ridge Mine is a joint venture between Placer Dome and Newmont Mining Corporation, with Placer Dome as the operator. Their novel approach to the reclamation and closure of the TRJV Heap Leach Facility addressed several challenging geochemical conditions and eliminated all post-closure discharge from the facility. The original and innovative evaporative cell design incorporated into the TRJV Heap Leach Facility has been copied and used at other mine closure sites in Nevada.
• Cortez Gold Mines was honored in the area of Wildlife Habitat Enhancement for their efforts at the Pipeline Mine in Lander County. The Pipeline Mine is a joint venture between Placer Dome and Kennecott Minerals, with Placer Dome as the operator. The unique design and revegetation of the waste rock disposal areas at the Pipeline Mine has created an extremely wildlife friendly site. Additionally, the use of variable topography and native seed mixes has allowed wildlife to rapidly repopulate the mine area. The waste rock disposal areas at the Pipeline Mine are an excellent example of proactive concurrent mine reclamation and successful post-mining land use for enhanced wildlife habitat.

“Many of the projects receiving the Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Award are unique in the United States, if not the world,” said Alan Coyner, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Minerals. “Nevada’s mining industry should be commended for leading the way in successful reclamation and environmental protection.”

The Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards are given cooperatively by the Nevada Division of Minerals, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Division of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. Fifty projects and six individuals have been recognized since the awards program began in 1990. For more information about mining in Nevada, call the Division of Minerals at 775/684-7040 (Carson City) or 702/486-4343 (Las Vegas), or visit their web site at minerals.state.nv.us.

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August 26, 2005
For Immediate Release:
CONTACT: ALAN R. COYNER (775) 684-7047

GOVERNOR GUINN APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO THE COMMISSION ON MINERAL RESOURCES

(CARSON CITY, NEVADA) Governor Kenny Guinn recently announced the appointment of Richard DeLong and Richard Perry to the Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources. Both new members represent large scale mining on the Commission.

Mr. DeLong is the President of Enviroscientists, Inc., a Reno based environmental permitting and consulting firm he co-founded in 2000. He has worked with the minerals industry in Nevada for over 20 years and has worked as an environmental consultant to nearly all the mining companies located in Nevada. Mr. DeLong has degrees in geology from the University of Idaho and California State University at Chico. He is a registered geologist in California and Idaho, a certified environmental manager in Nevada, and a member of the Geological Society of Nevada and the Nevada Mining Association.

Mr. Perry is the Managing Director of North American Operations for Newmont Mining Corporation based in Elko, Nevada. He has over 25 years of experience in the mining industry. His current responsibilities include Newmont’s Nevada Operations, the Holloway and Golden Giant Mines in Canada, and the La Herradura Mine in Mexico. Mr. Perry has degrees in geology from the Mackay School of Mines at the University of Nevada, Reno and California State University at Chico. He is an officer of Newmont Mining Corporation and serves on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Mining Association, the Mackay School Executive Advisory Board, and the Society of Mining Engineers Mineral Education Committee.

The Commission on Mineral Resources establishes policy for the Division of Minerals, and advises the governor and legislature on mining, oil, geothermal, and other mineral resource issues. Other members of the Commission are Chairman Fred D. Gibson, Jr. (general public), Vice Chairman Ron Parratt (exploration and development), Dennis Bryan (small scale mining and prospecting), Patrick Fagan (geothermal resources), and Gene Kozlowski (oil and gas). Additional information about the Commission on Mineral Resources or the Division of Minerals can be found on the Division’s website at minerals.state.nv.us.

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April 15, 2005
For immediate release
Contact: Doug Driesner at (775) 684-7046

NEVADA REMAINS NATION’S TOP GOLD PRODUCER
Nevada Division of Minerals Announces Production Figures

Nevada mines produced 6.942 million ounces of gold in 2004, according to company reports compiled by the Nevada Division of Minerals.  While the production level is down approximately 5% from 2003, Nevada remains the nation’s top gold producing state and is the world’s third largest gold producer after South Africa and Australia.

The calculated value of the 2004 gold production is about $2.84 billion, up from about $2.66 billion in 2003.  This is based on an increase in the average gold price in 2004 to $410 per ounce, up from $363 per ounce in 2003.

Nevada’s silver production in 2004 was 10.299 million ounces, up slightly from 10.246 million ounces in 2003.  Based on an average silver price in 2004 of $6.77 per ounce, the calculated value of Nevada’s silver production was $69 million, up from $50 million in 2003.

According to Alan Coyner, the Administrator of the Division of Minerals, “The increase in the value of gold production indicates Nevada’s mining companies continue to make a substantial contribution to the state’s economy.  Exploration activity picked up significantly in 2004, which should lead to additional discoveries and production in the future.”

Industrial mineral production increased in 2004.  The total value of Nevada’s industrial minerals, which include aggregates, barite, clays, diatomite, dolomite, gypsum, lime and limestone, lithium compounds, magnesium compounds, opals, perlite, salt, and silica sand was about $360 million, up from about $300 million in 2003.  The total value of all mines commodities in 2004 in Nevada was about $3.3 billion, up from about $3.0 billion in 2003.

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September 18, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: ALAN R. COYNER or DOUG DRIESNER (775) 684-7040

NEVADA EXCELLENCE IN MINE RECLAMATION AWARD WINNERS NAMED

(RENO, NEVADA) At the annual Nevada Mining Association Convention, held September 17 and 18, 2004 at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, the Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards were presented to three mining companies and two individuals for their accomplishments in restoring and preserving Nevada’s environment.

• Placer Dome U.S., Bald Mountain Mine received the Wildlife Habitat Enhancement award for their work in northeast Nevada near the Bald Mountain Mine in White Pine County. Placer Dome restored several thousand acres of sagebrush habitat to benefit sage grouse, mule deer, and pigmy rabbit. Placer Dome’s leadership role in the project, in partnership with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and several wildlife foundations, sets an example for community stewardship and sustainable land use.

• Queenstake Resources USA, Inc., Jerritt Canyon Mine was given an award in the category of Innovation in Reclamation Techniques for reclamation efforts at their Burns Basin Haul Road and Facilities Project in Elko County. The project is an excellent example of successful haul road reclamation in steep terrain and responsible facility salvage with maximum reuse and minimal landfill waste. Queenstake Resources continues to exceed expectations at the Jerritt Canyon Mine by producing exceptional, innovative showcase examples of mine reclamation.

• Round Mountain Gold Corporation, Smoky Valley Common Operation was honored in the area of Leadership in Reclamation for their efforts at their South Waste Rock Dump at the Round Mountain Gold Mine in Nye County. The company implemented an effective concurrent reclamation plan of recontouring and drill seeding to maximize revegetation success at the project. Round Mountain Gold’s South Waste Rock Dump is a true example of excellence in proactive concurrent reclamation and successful post-mining land use for livestock grazing and enhanced wildlife habitat.

• Hugh Calvin Ingle was recognized in the category of Mine Reclamation – Small Operation for his efforts at the Ingle Gravity Flotation Mill in Mineral County. Hugh Ingle single-handedly dismantled the mill equipment, remediated contaminated soils and mill tailings, and completed the reclamation of the remote mill site.

• John D. Lee was recognized in the category of Site Restoration – Small Operation for his efforts at the Fat Cat Mill Site in Churchill County. John Lee worked closely with state and federal regulatory agencies to successfully complete a voluntary reclamation of historic disturbances and abandoned mill equipment at the long-neglected Fat Cat Mill Site.

A government agency was also recognized for their leadership in mine reclamation. A Letter of Commendation was presented to the United States Forest Service for their reclamation work at the Griffon Mine in White Pine County.

“Many of the projects receiving the Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Award are unique in the United States, if not the world,” said Alan Coyner, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Minerals. “Nevada’s mining industry should be commended for leading the way in successful reclamation and environmental protection.”

The Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards are given cooperatively by the Nevada Division of Minerals, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Division of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. Forty seven projects and six individuals have been recognized since the awards program began in 1990. For more information about mining in Nevada, call the Division of Minerals at 775/684-7040 (Carson City) or 702/486-4343 (Las Vegas), or visit their web site at minerals.state.nv.us.

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August 19, 2004
For immediate release
Contact: Alan Coyner (775) 684-7047 or Bill Durbin (775) 684-7044

DIVISION OF MINERALS DISCOVERS 10,000th ABANDONED MINE

The Nevada Division of Minerals announced today that it has identified and ranked its 10,000th abandoned mine opening. The Division is mandated by legislation to carry out a program to discover and rank the degree of hazard of the abandoned mines in the state, which are estimated to number approximately 50,000. Of the 10,000 discovered mine openings, nearly 8,000 have been secured through the efforts of the Division, mining claim owners, and volunteers.

Alan Coyner, Administrator of the Division, stated, “These sites are a legacy from historical mining activity. The securing of abandoned mines will increase public safety in Nevada.”

The Division is also engaged in an aggressive public awareness program urging people to “Stay Out and Stay Alive” when it comes to abandoned mines. Some of the hazards that may exist at abandoned mines include bad air, rattlesnakes, rotten timbers, and old explosives, in addition to falling down a shaft or being caught in a cave in.

Abandoned mines are found in every county in the state. The Division is concentrating its efforts around Nevada’s cities and towns, parks and recreation areas where people are more likely to be present. “These efforts have paid off,” noted Bill Durbin, Chief of the Abandoned Mine Program. “The number of injuries or fatalities at abandoned mines has remained at about one per year, despite a near doubling of the population in the last 10 years.”

More information about the Division’s abandoned mine program may be found on the Division’s web site: www.minerals.state.nv.us

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April 20, 2004
For immediate release
Contact: Doug Driesner at (775) 684-7046

NEVADA REMAINS NATION’S TOP GOLD PRODUCER
Nevada Division of Minerals Announces Production Figures

Nevada mines produced 7.318 million ounces of gold in 2003, according to company reports compiled by the Nevada Division of Minerals. While the production level is down approximately 5% from 2002, Nevada remains the nation’s top gold producer and is the world’s third largest gold producer after South Africa and Australia.

The calculated value of the 2003 gold production is about $2.66 billion, up from about $2.4 billion in 2002 based on an increase in the average gold price in 2003 to $363 per ounce, up from $310 per ounce in 2002.

Nevada also led the nation in silver production in 2003 with 10.246 million ounces, down about 24% from 2002. Based on an average silver price in 2003 of $4.88 per ounce, the calculated value of Nevada’s silver production was $50 million, down from $62 million in 2002.

According to Alan Coyner, the Administrator of the Division of Minerals, "Although precious metal production declined in 2003, Nevada’s mining companies continue to make a substantial contribution to the state’s economy. Exploration activity remained strong in 2003, which should lead to additional discoveries and production in the future."

Industrial mineral production remained relatively steady in 2003. The total value of Nevada’s industrial minerals, which include aggregates, barite, clays, diatomite, dolomite, gypsum, lime and limestone, lithium compounds, magnesium compounds, opals, perlite, potassium sulfate, salt, and silica sand was about $300 million. The total value of all mined commodities in 2003 in Nevada was about $3.0 billion, up from $2.8 billion in 2002.

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February 9, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Snow 775-684-7045

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISCOVERY OF OIL IN NEVADA

The beginning of Nevada’s petroleum industry is marked by the discovery of oil on February 12, 1954, at Shell Oil Company’s Eagle Springs No. 1 well drilled in Railroad Valley in Nye County. The No. 1 well is 10,358 feet deep and produced 306,029 barrels of oil from a productive interval between 6,450 and 6,730 feet during its 16-year productive life.

Since 1954, there have been 48,414,992 million barrels of crude oil produced from 101 wells drilled within 15 different oil fields in Nevada. Currently, Nevada has 63 producing oil wells within 11 active oil fields. Annual production for 2003 was 481,341 barrels of oil. “This milestone represents a great achievement for Nevada’s oil industry.” states Alan Coyner, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Minerals. “Nevada continues to have tremendous exploration potential for additional oil discoveries in the future.”

The Grant Canyon oil field, located in Railroad Valley which is recognized as a world class discovery, produced 20,725,823 barrels of oil from 3 wells between 1983 through 2003. “The possibility of another Grant Canyon field is what keeps oil companies interested in Nevada.” states John Snow, the Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Programs Manager for the Division of Minerals.

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September 7, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: ALAN R. COYNER or DOUG DRIESNER (775) 684-7040

NEVADA EXCELLENCE IN MINE RECLAMATION AWARD WINNERS NAMED

(RENO, NEVADA) At the annual Nevada Mining Association Convention, held September 4 - 6, 2003 at Harvey's Resort in Lake Tahoe, the Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards were presented to four mining companies for their accomplishments in restoring and preserving Nevada's environment.

" Barrick Gold Corporation received the Leadership in Reclamation award for their work at the Ruby Hill Mine in Eureka County. Barrick remediated an abandoned heap leach pad and cleaned up hazardous wastes from previous mine operations in the nearby historic Eureka Mining District. The company also formed a successful partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Division of Wildlife, and State Historic Preservation Office to ensure conservation of cultural resources and protection of bat habitat.

" Miramar Gold Corporation was given an award in the category of Mine Reclamation - Small Operation for reclamation efforts at the Paymaster Mine in Nye County. Miramar worked closely and responsively with state regulatory agencies to successfully complete a voluntary reclamation of historic disturbances and abandoned mine hazards at the long-neglected Paymaster Mine.

" Nevada Gold Mining, Inc. was honored in the area of Pit Lake Remediation for their work at the Sleeper Mine in Humboldt County. The company implemented an effective post-mining operational plan for the development and management of water quality at the pit lake. Due to the success of Nevada Gold Mining's remediation strategy, the Sleeper Mine pit lake is recognized as a model for pit lake remediation and now offers a unique, enhanced environment for flora and fauna.

" Newmont Mining Corporation was recognized in the category of Post-Mining Land Use for the Copper Basin Mountain Bike Trail System near Battle Mountain in Lander County. The trail is an innovative approach to post-mining land use and traverses reclaimed mine waste rock facilities, along with rocky ridgetops and sagebrush-covered hillsides and canyons. The development of the Copper Basin Mountain Bike Trail System is an outstanding example of collaboration among individuals and organizations to create a community asset and generate continued value from reclaimed mine lands.

"Many of the projects receiving the Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation award are unique in the United States, if not the world," said Alan Coyner, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Minerals. "Nevada's mining industry should be commended for leading the way in successful reclamation and environmental protection."

The Nevada Excellence in Mine Reclamation Awards are given cooperatively by the Nevada Division of Minerals, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Division of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. Forty five projects and three individuals have been recognized since the awards program began in 1990. For more information about mining in Nevada, call the Division of Minerals at (775) 684-7040 (Carson City) or (702) 486-4343 (Las Vegas), or visit their web site at minerals.state.nv.us.

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August 19, 2003
For immediate release
Contact: Doug Driesner (775) 684-7046

NOTICE TO MINING CLAIMANTS

Please be aware that the Legislature passed Senate Bill 451 which requires changes in documents filed with county recorders. This change also applies to mining claim forms.

The primary change involves the location of the Recorder's stamp, which now needs to be in the upper right corner.

S.B. 451 also requires an additional fee of $25 for recording any document that does not meet the new requirements. Documents such as Notices of Intent to Hold or Affidavits of Proof of Labor submitted on the old forms without the additional fee will not be recorded. This could cause the filing deadline to be missed.

Mining claim forms which meet the new requirements are available for downloading from the Division of Minerals' web site: http://minerals.state.nv.us

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March 26, 2003
For immediate release
Contact: Doug Driesner at (775) 684-7046

NEVADA REMAINS NATION'S TOP GOLD PRODUCER
Nevada Division of Minerals Announces Production Figures

Nevada mines produced 7.731 million ounces of gold in 2002, according to company reports compiled by the Nevada Division of Minerals. While the production level is down approximately 5% from 2001, Nevada remains the nation's top gold producer and is the world's third largest gold producer after South Africa and Australia.

The calculated value of the 2002 gold production is about $2.4 billion, up from about $2.2 billion in 2001 based on an increase in the average gold price in 2002 of nearly $310 per ounce, up from $271 per ounce in 2001.

Nevada also led the nation in silver production in 2002 at 13.557 million ounces, down about 22% from 2001. Based on an average silver price in 2002 of $4.60 per ounce, the calculated value of Nevada's silver production was $62 million, down from $76 million in 2001.

According to Alan Coyner, the Administrator of the Division of Minerals, "Although precious metal production declined in 2002, Nevada's mining companies continue to make a substantial contribution to the state's economy. Exploration activity increased significantly in 2002, which should lead to additional discoveries and production in the future."

Industrial mineral production remained relatively steady in 2002. The total value of Nevada's industrial minerals, which include aggregates, barite, clays, diatomite, dolomite, gypsum, lime and limestone, lithium compounds, magnesium compounds, opals, perlite, potassium sulfate, salt, silica sand, and turquoise was about $300 million. The total value of all mined commodities in 2002 in Nevada was about $2.8 billion.

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