Representatives of Solidus Resources provided a detailed update on the Spring Valley Mine project during the Pershing County Commission meeting Wednesday, outlining construction timelines, permitting progress, workforce needs, and anticipated community impacts as the project moves forward.
Joe Martini, speaking on behalf of Solidus Resources, told commissioners the company is preparing for an active year ahead, with early construction work underway and major mobilization expected to begin this spring.
The Spring Valley Mine is located north of the Coeur Rochester Mine in Buena Vista Valley, extending into Spring Valley with access from the Oreana or Mill City exits. The project is planned as a traditional open-pit, heap-leach gold mine with a projected 13-year mine life, including approximately two years of construction. Solidus estimates total surface disturbance between 400 and 600 acres and a final pit depth of approximately 1,600 feet. Current reserves under the approved mine plan total approximately four million ounces of gold.
Martini said the mine will operate 24 hours a day once in production, with full operations expected to begin in 2028.
Construction plans include relocation of approximately 1.5 to 2 miles of existing 345-kilovolt power lines that currently cross the pit and waste rock areas. Solidus is working with NV Energy and federal agencies on the relocation, which is expected to begin later in the construction process. Site power will be supplied through infrastructure shared with the nearby Coeur Rochester operation.
The project will also require rerouting a county road south of the pit. Martini said Solidus plans to work with Pershing County on both a right-of-way agreement and a long-term maintenance agreement, with construction of the new road alignment targeted for April. The company emphasized that it intends to assume responsibility for road maintenance to avoid burdening the county.
Because the pit will extend below the groundwater table, the mine will include a dewatering system using pumping wells and rapid infiltration basins. Martini said most of the water removed will be returned to the basin, with only permitted water rights used for consumptive purposes. Geochemical modeling indicates the future pit lake will meet water quality standards, with only short-term, minor fluctuations during the long-term refilling process.
Martini reported that Solidus is fully financed for construction and is operating as a privately held company. All major permits required to begin construction are in hand, including federal approval of the plan of operations in July 2025, Nevada approval in December 2025, and a reclamation bond totaling approximately $112 million posted earlier this month. Air quality permits have been issued, with remaining water pollution control permits expected well in advance of operations.
Early hiring has begun, with a focus on construction-related positions and key operational staff needed during the buildout phase. Solidus expects employment to peak at approximately 590 workers by mid-2027, including both construction and operations personnel. By the end of construction, the mine is expected to employ roughly 210 long-term operations, technical, and management staff.
Martini encouraged local contractors and job seekers to submit information through the company’s website, noting that Solidus plans to prioritize regional and northern Nevada businesses where possible.
Community impacts were also addressed, including housing, traffic, and emergency response planning. Martini said Solidus is developing housing strategies, traffic management plans, and fire and emergency response plans for both construction and operations phases. The company plans to hold regular community meetings and maintain open communication with local officials and residents.
Martini described the Spring Valley Mine as a “once-in-a-generation” project and emphasized the company’s intent to work closely with both Pershing and Humboldt counties as construction accelerates in 2026.
No action was taken by the commission following the update.
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