Amanda Hilton
Nevada has a lot to be proud of, including its illustrious mining industry and the 20 different critical minerals that it supplies not only domestically, but throughout the globe.
Amanda Hilton, the Nevada Mining Association’s (NVMA) new president as of January 2024, is dedicated to being an advocate for the industry and the thousands of individuals that work at and with Nevada’s mines.
“One of the things I am very passionate about is the mining industry and representing the work that we’re doing as an industry. The critical minerals that we are mining that are essential to daily life, and also the people who work in the mining industry. I have such fondness for the men and women who make up our industry,” said Hilton.
The NVMA has existed for over 100 years and is present in every corner of the state, debating policy matters in the state legislature and local governments, uniting the voice of the industry in public relations and so much more. Its members enjoy a network of industry stakeholders and opportunities to enhance and support mining.
With so many cutting-edge technological advancements taking place and so many Nevada families relying on their jobs, it is crucial that the industry have a voice in federal, state, and local policy matters, communities, and public education.
Hilton has over two decades of experience in mining, working as the General Manager of Robinson Mine in Ely, NV just before taking her new position and serving as NVMA Board Chair in 2021-2022.
“Now get to be an advocate for the entire industry and not just one mine site,” said Hilton.
Legislatively, Nevada faces many obstacles through regulatory laws, environmental policy, permitting and in other ways that make industry advocates all the more important.
“We aren’t currently aware of any specific issues that will be brought forward during that session. But we have been actively meeting with returning legislators and then with legislative candidates, and talking to them about what they see coming and also talking to them about our industry that we’re so proud of. So, we’re looking forward to working with whoever’s elected in the next legislative session,” said Hilton.
NVMA Vice President of External Affairs Nikki Bailey-Lundahl will be present in Carson City during the next legislative session beginning in February 2025, according to Hilton.
“The goals that the Association has are really to advocate for industry and make sure we’re talking about the fantastic things that this industry does. The minerals that are being mined, and also the economic impact this industry has on the state. We have so much to be proud of in the mining industry. We need to make sure that we’re telling our story,” she said.
Mining technology is growing and changing daily. Strides towards better efficiency and more productivity have changed much of the landscape that now governs mine sites and has allowed for the automation of many tasks, such as drilling and blasting, increasing worksite safety.
“Technology is transforming the mining industry,” said Hilton. “One of the key benefits that I see with the changing technology is improvement to safety for the men and women who are working in the field…These technological advancements are not taking away jobs from humans. We often hear that instead, and how I view them, is that they’re really changing the jobs that humans are doing and increasing our risk profile.”
Hilton said she plans on leading the Association for several years to come and through several very exciting projects that are on the horizon.
“The Nevada Mining Association is one of the oldest associations in the state and very well respected. It’s just such a joy for me to be able to take on this position. We have an excellent staff and we are going to work really hard for our members and for the state of Nevada,” said Hilton.