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Nevada Rand outlines plan to reopen Victory tungsten mine near Gabbs; seeks county support
Summary
Nevada Rand LLC told Nye County commissioners it plans to reactivate the Victory Mine north of Gabbs, starting with a small mill and expanding if successful; company sought local contact and a letter of support as it pursues state water and environmental permitting.
Ben Viljian of Nevada Rand LLC presented to the board Sept. 3 on plans to reopen and mill tungsten ore at the Victory Mine, north of Gabbs, and requested the county’s awareness and local point of contact during state permitting.
Viljian said the company plans a staged restart: initial milling at about 20 tons per day with a later ramp toward 100 tons per day if financing and demand allow. He described the ore as scheelite (an ore of tungsten) and said Nevada’s Victory Mine historically was the county’s largest scheelite producer. Viljian told commissioners that he is working with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection on a water pollution control permit and that the company would be available for questions from county residents: “I don't feel that, in notifying anybody, I'm up here to talk to you 1 on 1 and let you know what our plans are and give you a face and a name and a phone number of somebody to get a hold of with questions or concerns.”
Why it matters: Tungsten has defense and industrial uses; Viljian said U.S. supply concerns and market conditions make domestic production attractive. If the mine and mill proceed, mining and milling activity would be sited in Nye County and could bring local jobs and tax revenue; the project remains subject to state permitting and federal regulatory review where applicable.
Key details from the presentation: - Resource/product: scheelite (tungsten concentrate), Viljian said the plan is for a 60–70% concentrate to be sold to a processing facility in Fallon. - Start-up milling: targeted at about 20 tons per day initially, with historical capacity at the site of about 100 tons per day. - Market outlook: Viljian said he had discussed demand with federal buyers and expects a favorable multi-year market due to international supply concerns. - Permitting: Viljian said a Nevada water pollution control permit application is in process with the state; he asked for county awareness and, if appropriate, local support or a letter of awareness to accompany state review.
Public response and next steps: Commissioners thanked Viljian and asked staff to coordinate as permitting proceeds; one commenter with local government experience (Joanie Eastley) praised Viljian’s character and experience. Viljian requested a letter of support, and the board said staff could follow up with next-step coordination.
