Mining History

Nevada County has had a rich history of mineral production since the gold rush year of 1849. A State of California (Loyd and Clinkenbeard, 1990) report states that Nevada County "produced more gold than any other county in the state", an estimated 15.5 million troy ounces. In addition, the county has had significant production of other metals including silver, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, tungsten, and manganese. Industrial minerals included barite, quartz for silicon, limestone, asbestos, clay, decorative stone, crushed rock and sand and gravel construction aggregate.

 

Gold Mining

Placer mining refers to the mining of alluvial gold deposits. Placer mining in the Sierra Nevada region started in 1849 and brought 300,000 people to California. Placer mining was mainly done on the Yuba and Bear Rivers, with other mining done on smaller creeks. Sediments from ancient river channels more than 20 million years old became the targets of hydraulic mining, which was outlawed in 1884. Today, placer mining utilizes mechanical equipment or sluice boxes to remove gold by gravity seperation. Mines use settling ponds to remove sediment prior to water re-entering a creek or river. For the most part, placer mining has all but disappeared as a mining method, and it has become more recreational by those still hoping to find strike it rich.

Hardrock mining started in the Sierra Nevada region in the 1850's and over the next 100 years, the largest gold producers in the state were located in the region. The Empire Mine produced over 5.8 million ounces of gold historically and went to a depth of 5,000 feet below surface. The Idaho-Maryland Mine produced over 2.4 million ounces of gold historically and went to a dept of 3,200 feet below surface. There were many other mines that operated in Nevada County over the years and significant gold resources still remain in the ground that could be developed. Hardrock mining for gold in the Northern Mother Lode region has been primarily by underground mining methods. There were no open pit gold mines in Nevada County.

 

Industrial Materials

The principal industrial minerals currently mined in the Northern Mother Lode are crushed stone and sand and gravel aggregates. Aggregates are important in the Sierra Nevada region to provide materials such as road base, sand, construction aggregates, concrete, and asphalt products for use in the County and elsewhere. Aggregate mining is highly affected by the cost of transportation because of the low unit cost of the product. Typically, aggregate products are be shipped less that 35 miles to a purchaser and shipping that far is, by rule of thumb, equal to the unit price of the aggregate.

As fuel prices continue to increase, the unit price of aggregates will continue to rise and the cost to Nevada County and California residents for road construction and public facilities will continue to rise. Increasing fuel prices lead to increased pricing for aggregates, and ultimately higher taxes for everyone. Therefore, local aggregate resources will become increasingly important to maintain local economies.

 

Construction Industry

The construction industry in the Sierra Nevada region continues to grow. Growth in Nevada County is typically between 1-2% per year, and this has resulted in increases in both residential and commercial construction. By 2020, the population of Nevada County is projected to be 126,000 residents. This brings demand for new homes, businesses, and services.

 

Forestry

The timber industry followed the mining industry to California, initially providing timber for the mines and settlements associated with the mines that were built. With the creation of an extensive railroad network, export of timber outside the state and by ship became a major source of export and revenue for the state. In the 1970's, timbering began to decline in the state as transportation costs grew and environmental concerns about the affects of clear cutting became better understood. Today, there is a sustainable industry in California, mostly on private land however much of our lumber today is imported from foreign countries.

 

Agriculture

Agriculture also followed the mining industry to Nevada County, to supply goods to the mines and settlements that grew in the area. Agriculture produces cattle, wines and grapes, vegetables, and fruit. In 2004, the agricultural industry in Nevada County generated over $8.6 million worth of goods (excluding timber). The wine industry is growing in the County, and offers significant potential to the agricultural industry.

 

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry is growing in the Sierra Nevada region. Typically manufacturing is has been limited to small business enterprises. In the 1990's, there was a move to bring high tech industry to the region, and today, over 50 high tech companies work in Nevada County.

 

Other Industries

There or other industries and businesses listed here such as energy related businesses, recycling businesses, etc. that provide goods for society.

 

Suppliers, Services, and Consultants

There are many other businesses in the Sierra Nevada region that support the mining and resource sectors. These include suppliers, service providers, and consultants.

Teichert Enterprises Hallwood
Vector Engineering
West Coast Environmental & Engineering
Sierra Metal Fabricators, Inc.
Ceramext