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Yerington council approves special-use permit for Southwest Critical Materials with 16 conditions
Summary
The City Council unanimously approved a special-use permit for Southwest Critical Materials to restart underground mining operations near Yerington, subject to 16 conditions including traffic controls, annual reporting and coordination with fire and emergency services. The company says production and hiring could begin late 2026.
The Yerington City Council on March 23 unanimously approved a special-use permit for Southwest Critical Materials (SCM) to resume underground mining near the city, subject to 16 conditions recommended by the Planning Commission.
Interim City Manager Jerry Bryant presented the SUP application and the Planning Commission’s conditions, and Tracey Thom of SCM summarized the company’s plan. Thom said the operation would be underground only (no open pit), would use 22 acres of mineral rights and a fully constructed 2,100-foot shaft. She said secured funding and a new production plan should allow production to start late in 2026 and that the project is intended to employ local vendors and workers and to provide youth mining programs.
The council incorporated 16 conditions into the permit, including quarterly coordination and reporting to the city and Mason Valley Fire Protection District; an annual public status report; a traffic plan with required access routes and mitigation measures; a road maintenance and mitigation agreement with the city; annual emergency-response-plan updates and distribution to public safety partners; compliance with applicable federal, state and local permits; and provisions for revocation or review if conditions are not met or the project is inactive for a year.
“Economics is what this town needs, promising long term careers along with welcoming new training for employees,” Mayor John J. Garry said in remarks expressing support for the project.
During public comment, Micah Triplett voiced support for the project. Robbin Biggs raised concerns, and Melody Young—representing the Yerington Main Street Committee—thanked SCM for engaging with the community.
The council approved the special-use permit by motion of Councilman Omar Lopez, seconded by Councilman Matthew Galvin; the vote was recorded as unanimous.
What’s next: SCM must comply with the conditions adopted by the council, present annual reports to city boards, and prepare a traffic plan and road maintenance agreement for city review. Any significant change to the approved SUP must be processed through public hearing.
